A Few More Coping Skills

A practice card

A short list of other well-established ways to get through a hard stretch, to use alongside whichever ones already work for you.

When

When the coping skills you already use don't fit the moment, or you want another option on hand.

What's actually happening

Different coping skills work on different parts of a hard moment, some through the body, some through attention, some through contact with other people. Having more than one on hand matters because no single skill fits every situation the same way.

What to change

Watch or read something that usually makes you laugh, rather than waiting for humor to arrive.

Finish one small, concrete task, a dish washed, an email sent, when everything else feels stuck.

Get outside for a few minutes, even briefly, and let the change of scene do some of the work.

Reach out to one person for a short conversation, rather than waiting until you have news.

Stand up, unclench your jaw, roll your shoulders back, and notice if anything shifts.

Where to start

roughly placed · laughing on purpose comes first

Pick one

Five at once is how these lists fail. Tap a number — the ones up and to the left give the most for the least.

What to expect

None of these fix what's underneath, they're short, practical moves for getting through a hard stretch. Pick one that isn't already part of your routine, and try it deliberately for two weeks.

choose one, and the fortnight starts

This is a teaching, not treatment. If you’re struggling, a doctor or therapist can help. If you’re in danger right now, call your local emergency number or a crisis line (in the US, call or text 988).

scroll to walk

1 / 7