99 Coping Skills

Don't want all 99?  Now you can make a list of your favorites.  Check the skills that you enjoy and click the "Make My List" button below to create a custom printable list with your favorites.

• Exercise.
• Put on fake tattoos.
• Write (poetry, stories, journal).
• Scribble/doodle on paper.
• Be with other people.
• Watch a favorite TV show.
• Hydrate.
• Go see a movie.
• Do a word search or crossword.
• Do schoolwork.
• Play a musical instrument.
• Paint your nails, do your make-up or hair.
• Sing.
• Study the sky.
• Punch a pillow.
• Cover yourself with Band-Aids where you want to cut.
• Let yourself cry.
• Take a nap (only if you are tired).
• Take a hot shower or relaxing bath.
• Play with a pet.
• Go shopping.
• Clean something.
• Knit or sew.
• Read a good book.
• Listen to music.
• Try some aromatherapy (candle, lotion, room spray).
• Meditate.
• Go somewhere very public.
• Bake cookies.
• Create a vision board.
• Paint or draw.
• Rip paper into itty-bitty pieces.
• Shoot hoops, kick a ball.
• Make a card.
• Plan your dream room (colors/furniture).
• Hug a pillow or stuffed animal.
• Hyperfocus on something like a rock, hand, etc.
• Dance.
• Make hot chocolate, a milkshake or a smoothie.
• Play with modeling clay or Play-Doh.
• Build a pillow fort.
• Go for a nice, long drive.
• Complete something you've been putting off.
• Draw on yourself with a marker.
• Take up a new hobby.
• Look up recipes, cook a meal.
• Go outside for 15 minutes.
• Create or build something.
• Pray.
• Make a list of blessings in your life.
• Read something faith-affirming.
• Go to a friend's house.
• Jump on a trampoline.
• Watch an old, happy movie.
• Contact your therapist or a hotline (Boys Town National Hotline: 800-448-3000).
• Talk to someone close to you.
• Ride a bicycle.
• Feed the ducks, birds, or squirrels.
• Color.
• Memorize a poem, play, or song.
• Stretch.
• Search for ridiculous things on the internet.
• “Shop” online (without buying anything).
• Color-coordinate your wardrobe.
• Watch fish.
• Make a playlist of your favorite songs.
• Play the “15 minute game.” (Avoid something for 15 minutes, when time is up start again.)
• Plan your wedding/prom/other event.
• Plant some seeds.
• Hunt for your perfect home or car online.
• Try to make as many words out of your full name as possible.
• Sort through/edit your pictures.
• Play with a balloon.
• Give yourself a facial.
• Play with a favorite childhood toy.
• Start collecting something.
• Play video/computer games.
• Clean up trash at your local park.
• Look at yourlifeyourvoice.org.
• Text or call a friend.
• Write yourself an "I love you because…" letter.
• Look up new words and use them.
• Rearrange furniture.
• Write a letter to someone that you may never send.
• Smile at five people.
• Play with your little brother/sister/niece/nephew.
• Go for a walk (with or without a friend).
• Put a puzzle together.
• Clean your room /closet.
• Try to do handstands, cartwheels, or backbends.
• Yoga.
• Teach your pet a new trick.
• Learn a new language.
• Move EVERYTHING in your room to a new spot.
• Get together with friends and play Frisbee, soccer or basketball.
• Hug a friend or family member.
• Search online for new songs/artists.
• Make a list of goals for the week/month/year/5 years.
• Perform a random act of kindness.
• Go somewhere very public.