Coping Strategies

(Adapted from the “Coping Skills Workbook,” by Childswork/Childsplay)

	DEAL WITH YOUR FEELINGS To deal with our feelings, we must name them, tell ourselves it’s ok to feel them, express them in a safe way, and then decide what we need to feel better.
	ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE Telling ourselves about the good side of things can help us feel better.
	DISCOVER YOUR CHOICES We can help ourselves by choosing something that can be changed and working toward that goal.
	ACCEPT IMPERFECTION No person, thing, or situation is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes.
	GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK When we get tired, physically or emotionally, we can help ourselves to get our energy back by relaxing or taking a break from what we are doing.
	TAKE THINGS ONE STEP AT A TIME It is important to stop trying to do everything at once or think about everything at once. Try to focus on only one activity or thought.
	TREAT YOURSELF KINDLY It is important to pay attention to yourself. Use patience and gentle words to treat yourself kindly.
	PLAN AHEAD If we plan ahead, then we can make sure that we have enough time, energy, and the tools we need to get the job done.
	ASK FOR HELP When we cannot solve our problems on our own, it is important to ask someone for help so that things can get better.