You’ve probably heard of coping skills, but often times those addicted to drugs or alcohol have a hard time finding other ways to cope with their emotions. At Royal Life Centers, we used a variety of therapies to teach you a new way of life. Our programs are based around building a new way of living, filled with healthy habits to replace your bad habits.
Addiction treatment must provide a different way to do things, because many life skills are often overlooked in addiction. Now that you are on your journey to recovery, you need to find new ways to deal with difficult things, instead of turning to drugs or alcohol— which only give short term relief. We want you to find joy in making healthy habits, which is why we promote recovery in the mind, body, and spirit. Our holistic approach speaks of the strong connections between all parts of yourself. So sit back, relax, and learn 50 new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotions or circumstances.
Here are 50 ways to cope, instead of using a substance:
1. deep breathing
2. watch something funny
3. practice yoga
4. read
5. draw a mandala
6. knit
7. listen to music
8. take a walk
9. play a board-game
10. stand up and stretch
11. breathe and count to ten
12. call someone
13. repeat positive affirmations
14. listen to a guided meditation
15. think of a funny memory
16. close your eyes a visualize your favorite place
17. go to a movie
18. repeat your goals in your head
19. take a nap
20. think about something happy
21. read a magazine
22. eat a healthy snack
23. set a goal for yourself
24. do ten jumping jacks
25. start journaling for fifteen minutes, write whatever comes into your mind
26. doodle
27. do a face mask
28. write a letter
29. color in a coloring book
30. squeeze a stress ball
31. pick out your outfit for tomorrow
32. make a gratitude list
33. do a puzzle
34. paint
35. list five positive qualities about yourself
36. ask someone near you what you can do for them
37. dance
38. sing your favorite song
39. take a bubble bath
40. play with clay or playdough
41. cook something
42. rip pieces of paper
43. make an origami paper crane
44. write yourself a positive note and hide it somewhere so you can find it later
45. talk to a friend
46. play an instrument
47. drink a cup of tea
48. read inspirational quotes
49. sketch a picture
50. play the senses game: what can you see, smell, touch, hear and taste in this moment?
There are a million small things that you can do to change, improve, or enhance your mood. With the intensive therapy we provide at Royal Life Centers, taking a small break is important. Try one or all of these simple coping skills, some of them may seem silly to you, but they are coping strategies that distance you from your patterns and behaviors in substance use disorder. Alcohol and drug abuse treatment needs to supplement old behaviors with new, healthy behaviors. Get into the habit of practicing small exercises that will help you calm down, feel better, etc. As addicts or alcoholics, instant gratification can be achieved in a different and much healthier way, with small practices that are proven to release feel-good chemicals in your brain. You can maintain healthy practices and prevent relapse by treating alcohol or drug cravings with these same coping skills mentioned above.
Our treatment options incorporate small practices that are excellent alternative coping skills. These coping skills are also helpful during detox, to lessen the discomfort associated with withdrawal symptoms. Our treatment centers employ many types of therapy, including activity therapy, adventure therapy, and equine therapy in addition to individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and support groups.
Supporting positive growth in your behavioral health is as simple as practicing healthy coping skills. Our treatment programs also encourage guests to participate in 12-step programs of recovery, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. These programs are available outside of a treatment setting, and attendance to their meetings are also excellent ways to cope. Rehab centers should provide access to explore many healthy coping activities. Royal Life Centers treats the mind, body, and spirit; teaching you a new way of life is our goal. We provide you with the tools to build a happy, healthy, and successful life in sobriety. Because We Care. Practicing these 50 ways to cope, in times of distress, can ultimately change your life for the better. Healthy habits are key to building a life of happiness.
If you have any questions about coping skills, or about our treatment options at Royal Life Centers, please call us at (877)-RECOVERY or (877)-732-6837, our team is available to take your call 24/7. Because We Care.
