Coping Skills

A coping skill is something you do to help yourself feel better.

If you are having a difficult event or experience in your life, perhaps these skills can help you deal with your situation.

Coping Skill #1:  Identify your feelings.  Say how you feel in a safe way and ask for what you need to feel better.

Coping Skill #2:  Adjust your attitude.  Sometimes looking at a situation more positively can help us deal with what we can not change.

Coping Skill #3:  Accept imperfection.  It's OK to make a mistake; everybody does from time to time.  Accept that you are not perfect and take steps to learn from your mistakes.

Coping Skill #4:  Be kind to yourself.  You are a special person.  Treat yourself in a special way by saying nice things to yourself about yourself.  (That's not bragging, just remembering that your are special and worthy of love!)

Coping Skill #5:  Take a break.  When stress gets us down, take a break and try to relax.  Then return to a task and try again with a refreshed attitude.

Coping Skill #6:  Decide what you can and can not change.  Sometimes we can not change what is happening.  But we can change how we respond and find a way to feel better.  Try coping skill #2.

Coping Skill #7:  One step at a time.  When a task seems BIG, take it a little at a time until you get to the end.  Try making a list and then check items off when you finish them!

Coping Skill #8:  Ask for help.  We all need help from time to time.  It's OK to ask someone to help you after you tried and couldn't succeed!  Your teachers, counselor, and parents are there for you!!