No matter how optimistic and resilient we try to be, something or someone manages to hurt us at some point or another. Whether it is a daily hassle or the hopelessness that stems from depression, something bothers us and we do not always know what to do. Unfortunately, the only way some people know to deal with these situations is to harm themselves or others. Those are bad coping skills. Listed below are some healthy coping strategies that with practice will come to help just as well.

1. Take a walk.

Some quiet time out in the fresh air can do wonders to ease your mind.

2. Draw a red line on yourself.

For those who self-harm, doing this can bring out the same sense of calm without actually drawing blood.

3. Watch something that makes you laugh.

An easy way to get your mind off of anything is to laugh your ass off about something completely unrelated.

4. Talk to your best friend.

Whether you want to talk about what is bothering you or talk about nothing in particular, knowing your best friend is around helps you breathe more easily.

5. Scream into, or punch, a pillow.

Holding on to anger and frustration is an ugly feeling that tends to project in unwanted ways, so let it out, but on something that can not be hurtful.

6. Color.

Coloring is mindless, and when you have a million thoughts biting at you, doing something mindless has a nice way of creating silence.

7. Take a shower, or wash your face.

Making your body clean has a way of making your mind feel cleaner as well.

8. Write down what is bothering you.

You can give it to someone or rip it up and throw it away, but writing your problems down is another form of release that goes without harm.

9. Take a nap.

Going to sleep for a little bit for some peace and quiet can make a new start when you wake up again.

10. Read a book.

Books are whole worlds away from yours, and they are a healthy escape. Here is list of some of my favorites to get you started.

11. Do something you are good at.

Feel good about yourself to get some confidence. With that confidence, you can conquer anything.

12. Hang out with your pet.

If you have one, of course. Animals love you no matter what, and there is a lot of comfort in recognizing that.

We have the power to take control of our lives. Harness that energy and watch yourself do amazing things.