Here are 15 healthy positive coping skill exercises you should incorporate as habits in your life for relieving stress. Print them out and then post them in an area you will see while having a stressful episode.

Read this list one-by-one until you find the exercise that best works for you. These exercises are healthy alternatives to any kind of hurtful behavior we may use while trying to cope. You can redirect your mind away from the crisis you are experiencing while using these 15 coping skills.

Coping With Depression or Anxiety

1. Take a walk outside at a park or walking trail or go to a mall. Many times it just helps to change your surroundings.

2. Listen to music that makes you happy/feel good. Try to avoid “angry” music. This can just add to those bad feelings you are trying to get rid of.

3. Call/text/email a SUPPORTIVE friend or family member. I emphasis supportive! When coping with anxiety attacks, sometimes friends and family members think they are helping us, but really they are hurting us. Find that special person you can trust.

4. Make yourself laugh, by watching your favorite comedy movie, DVD or video. You might collect some of your favorite funny shows when you are suffering through a stressful episode. Then sit down and watch them as you laugh your troubles away.

5. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. This one can become addicting, but it does make you happy to treat yourself to something that can take you to a happier time.

6. Treat yourself to lunch and invite a friend along. You might want to treat yourself and your friend to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make sure this friend is someone you trust and is supportive of you and then enjoy your visit.

7. Play a game of cards or a board game by yourself or with others such as family or friends. You may even enjoy playing a computer game to help redirect your mind from that which is upsetting.

8. Read a novel or other great non-therapy book. Take a break for reading therapy books. Allow a good book to transport you to another place and time while you read. You have permission to take a therapy break when you need it.

9. Get you feelings out by journaling or drawing. This is an all time favorite of many individuals. You can write anything you feel or the experiences you are going through. You can choose to keep it private or you may want to share it in therapy. Drawing is a great release. You may want to get your own color crayons or pencils to work with.

10. If you have a pet-play with them or just sit together and feel the unconditional love! If it is a dog, take them for a walk. If it is a cat, sit and listen to it purr. You pet could even be fish! I had a fish tank at one time and would sit and watch then swim. It was so peaceful.

11. Relax while riding a bike. You may ride along trails that are hidden away from roads that can transport you to your own special and peaceful world. Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural settings around you.

12. Join a gym. Not only can this help you with changing your surroundings, but it would be doing something good for yourself. Exercise is excellent for depression and anxiety!

13. Do volunteer work. I did this at my local hospital and I felt so useful again. Not only was I doing something for myself, but I was helping others at the same time.

14. Join an online or local support group. I tried this, but it proved too overwhelming for me. Only you can be the judge of this suggestion. I would give it a try and really listen to your voice inside as to if it will hurt or help you.

15. Work a puzzle. You can work on a puzzle either alone or with friends and family. Puzzles are always fun activities. You may want a small one you can complete in one sitting or you may prefer a large puzzle that you can return to time and time again.

You may find these few coping skill exercises will help you overcome your negative feelings. Print it out and then write in any ideas you may have. They really are helpful when you are not thinking clearly. You can use them as powerful tools, since they are so helpful.