Healthy Distractions
Putting on your favorite playlist and moving to the beat is this coping skill.
What is dancing (or listening to music)?
Calling or texting this person - a friend who supports your recovery - when you're struggling.
Who is a sober friend (or supportive friend)?
Writing your thoughts in this private book helps process emotions without judgment.
What is a journal (or diary)?
Teens need 8-10 hours of this each night for mental health and recovery.
What is sleep?
Petting a dog, cat, or other animal can lower stress and provide this type of support.
What is emotional support (or comfort)?
Creating content for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube can be a healthy outlet when you're doing this type of expression.
What is creative expression (or content creation)?
This professional at school can provide confidential support and coping strategies.
Who is a school counselor (or therapist)?
When you're angry, punching this soft object or screaming into one can release tension safely.
What is a pillow?
Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner regularly helps stabilize this, which affects mood and cravings.
What is blood sugar (or energy)?
Making yourself laugh by watching funny videos or hanging with goofy friends releases these feel-good chemicals.
What are endorphins?
Going for a walk, shooting hoops, or hitting the gym are all examples of this coping skill.
What is exercise (or physical activity)?
This trusted adult in your life might be a parent, aunt/uncle, coach, or teacher you can open up to.
Who is a mentor (or trusted adult)?
This coping skill involves acknowledging "I feel _____ because _____" to understand your emotions.
What is naming your feelings (or identifying emotions)?
Taking a shower, brushing your teeth, and wearing clean clothes are all part of this daily routine.
What is hygiene (or personal care)?
This app-based practice guides you through meditation and mindfulness exercises (like Headspace, Waking Up or Calm).
What is a meditation app (or mindfulness app)?
Painting, drawing, making bracelets, or any hands-on project falls under this category of coping.
What are arts and crafts (or creative hobbies)?
Attending these group sessions with other teens in recovery helps you see you're not alone.
What are support groups (or group therapy)?
Creating one of these playlists with songs that match your mood can help you process feelings.
What is a feelings playlist (or mood playlist)?
Spending time away from screens and social media is called a digital _____.
What is detox (or break)?
Writing down everything stressing you out, then physically doing this to the paper can feel satisfying.
What is ripping it up (or throwing it away)?
Playing video games, watching movies, or reading can provide this - a mental break from stress and cravings.
What is a distraction?
Reaching out to this support line - available 24/7 by call or text - when you need immediate help: 988.
What is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (or crisis hotline)?
Having a good cry, even though it feels uncomfortable, actually releases these stress-relieving chemicals in your body.
What are endorphins (or stress hormones)?
Doing things just because they're fun and make you happy, not because you "should," is this important practice.
What is pleasure (or enjoyment)?
This technique involves imagining a peaceful place in detail - your safe mental escape.
What is visualization (or guided imagery)?