An Alphabet Of Coping Mechanisms
Acknowledge:
Name what you’re feeling without judgment.
Breathe:
Slow, deep breathing to regulate your body.
Connect:
Reach out to someone you trust.
Distract (gently):
Take a break with something light or engaging.
Express:
Write, talk, or create let it out.
Focus:
Bring your attention to one small, manageable task.
Ground:
Use your senses to come back to the present.
Hydrate:
Basic care matters more than we think.
Identify Triggers:
Notice patterns without blaming yourself.
Journal:
Put thoughts on paper to create clarity.
Kind Self-talk:
Speak to yourself like you would to a friend.
Limit Overwhelm:
Take one day at a time.
Move:
Gentle movement can shift your mood.
Notice:
Observe thoughts without attaching to them.
Open Up:
Share when you feel safe to.
Pause:
Give yourself space before reacting.
Question Thoughts:
Is this thought a fact or an assumption?
Rest:
Rest with no guilt.
Self-soothe:
Comfort yourself with familiar, calming actions.
Take a break:
Step away when things feel too much.
Unplug:
Reduce screen time when overwhelmed.
Validate:
Your feelings are real, even if they’re hard.
Write it out:
Externalise what’s looping in your mind.
eXhale Slowly:
Long exhales calm the nervous system.
Yes to support:
Accept help when it’s offered.
Zoom out:
Look at the bigger picture this moment will pass.