Common coping responses for stress

Positive coping responses:

1. Listening to music.
2. Playing with a pet.
3. Laughing or crying.
4. Going out with a friend. (shopping, movie, dining)
5. Taking a bath or shower.
6. Writing, painting, or other creative activity.
7. Praying or going to church.
8. Exercising or getting outdoors to enjoy nature.
9. Discussing situations with a spouse or close friend.
10. Gardening or making home repairs.
11. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation.

Negative coping responses

1. Criticizing yourself.
2. Driving fast in a car.
3. Chewing your fingernails.
4. Becoming aggressive or violent.
5. Eating too much or too little or drinking a lot of coffee.
6. Smoking or chewing tobacco.
7. Drinking alcohol.
8. Yelling at your spouse, children, or friends.
9. Taking a recreational drug to calm yourself.
10. Avoiding social contact.