calm your body
change the thought
express it
in the moment
healthy choices
100

This coping skill involves slowly breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth to calm your nervous system.

What is deep breathing

100

This coping skill helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced ones.

What is cognitive restructuring (positive self-talk)?

100

This coping skill uses drawing, coloring, or painting to express emotions.

What is art expression?

100

This coping skill helps when emotions feel overwhelming and you need a quick reset.

what is grounding


100

This coping skill helps improve mood and energy levels. 

What is getting enough sleep?

200

This grounding skill uses your five senses to help you feel present.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique?

200

This skill reminds you that thoughts are not always facts.

What is reality checking? (fact)

200

This skill involves listening to music to match or change your mood.

What is music coping?

200

This skill involves focusing your attention on one task or object.

What is mindfulness

200

This skill involves eating regularly to support emotional regulation.

What is balanced nutrition?

300

This skill involves tightening and relaxing different muscle groups to release stress.

What is progressive muscle relaxation? (or clenching and releasing)

300

This coping strategy asks, “What would I say to a friend in this situation?”

What is self-compassion?

300

This coping skill involves writing thoughts or feelings down.

What is journaling?

300

This coping skill includes squeezing a stress ball or fidget

What is sensory coping


300

This coping skill includes drinking water to help your body function better.

What is hydration?

400

This calming activity can include stretching, yoga, or going for a walk.

What is movement/exercise?

400

This skill focuses on finding evidence for and against a negative thought.

What is challenging negative thoughts?

400

This skill helps release emotions through talking to someone you trust.

what is social support

400

This skill encourages taking a short break instead of reacting right away.

What is taking a pause


400

This skill involves setting limits to protect your mental health.

what is setting boundaries


500

This coping skill uses temperature, like cold water or ice, to quickly reset your body

What is temperature grounding (TIP skill)?

500

 This coping skill involves reminding yourself that feelings are temporary.

What is thought reframing?

500

This expressive coping skill can include acting, role-playing, or creative storytelling. 

What is creative expression?

500

This DBT skill helps tolerate distress without making things worse. 

what is distress tolerance

500

This coping skill includes asking for help when things feel unmanageable.

What is reaching out for support?