I find that walking alone really helps.

Backstory: in middle school, I had a teacher who I really hated, and I would always get super anxious in that class (most of the anxiety was caused by the teacher). I had gym the next period, and would always go in very anxious. My gym teacher pulled me aside one day after realizing the issue and decided to let me walk up and down the hallway (the gym was in its own wing) instead of playing with the rest of the kids. So instead of my anxiety getting worse by being in a crowd of people, it would calm down. I felt the need to write this out because this teacher’s actions were amazing. Thank you, Mr. Gym Teacher.

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Final score:

29points

Chicken Nugget

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I carry really tiny plush animals in my pockets and squish them, i have autism and it really helps my anxiety. I wish id had them when i was younger the plastic fidget toys i got never really helped

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Final score:

27points

Goth Mouse (he/they)

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Painting. I love coloring all my emotions out on a white page. It may look gibberish sometimes, but it is what I'm feeling on the inside.

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Final score:

19points

DUN DUN

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Silence and alone time. Dimmed lights.

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Final score:

19points

Time Lady Donna

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Time alone, no one asking what’s wrong, or why am I being b*tchy, or why I am being this way. Just time locked away in my room with some snacks, water, and remotes to the tv, and I’ll be just fine.. until I’m out of there and have to do it all over again.

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Final score:

17points

RedFox

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I’m socially anxious and I find that listening to music helps when I’m in crowds- might not be possible for everyone so here’s another that I like to use: fidgeting with my hands. It can be anything from just my fingers to a crumpled piece of paper to a fidget cube, but it also helps with my adhd hyperactivity :D

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Final score:

16points

BORKADYMUSIC

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Crochet. It lets me channel the anxious energy into something creative. It's also helping me quit smoking.

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Final score:

16points

By Deleted User

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Medication and therapy. Lots of therapy.

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Final score:

15points

Collin Lyle

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My bun (bunny), i love my bunny, everytime i get anxious or shy, her name is snowy.

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15points

Random_player

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If I'm at home, I'll organize my bookshelves. I've arranged them by color, genre, size, author, title, and whether or not I have read them. It's really calming and I can focus on that instead of everything else in my life.

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Final score:

13points

Audrey Woodall

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I have two big stuffed animals. A unicorn and a dolphin on my bed that my son slept on before he died. I cuddle them and they still smell like him be washed 4 times since October. I love them and when I'm breaking apart at the seems I can stuff my face in them and remind myself to be stronger for the other children. It's almost an oxymoron in my life at this point. Brings happiness and sadness then comfort

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Final score:

13points

Summer Mason

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Therapy, more so talking. Writing about anything. Designing new things, like how I could redo a room, rearrange it to make it different. I craft, paint, diamond art, jewelry making and really anything I could possibly want to craft with. I have slowly built up a base level craft store in my room. I can pretty much do any craft. I love to listen to music. And sometimes I take nighttime pm and go to bed.

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Final score:

10points

Lydia Owen the Bi-tch

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Silence and alone time

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Final score:

10points

Time Lady Donna

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Hugging my Dog Shilo.

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Final score:

10points

IlovemydogShilo

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I try to think of the good things I have going on. It's so easy with anxiety to focus only on the negative so I think, what am I grateful for? If that doesn't work I smoke some great legal weed and watch something like Rick & Morty to remind myself not to take life so seriously.

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Final score:

9points

Who Panda 420

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(Doesn’t always work for obvious reasons-) but when I’m with my sister particularly, it’s a good coping mechanism. She’s the same level of “oh god everything is bad this is very very bad time to leave time to-“ as I am, but she’s younger. I think it helps me to help *her*, if that makes sense. She’s nervous about a situation? Well, I am too, but dang it if I’m not gonna fight god over her. In taking on this mindset, I end up being less anxious because I’m already prepared to handle things. I hope that made any semblance of sense-

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Final score:

9points

Autumn Artemis

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When I suffer from anxiety and especially the racing thoughts that fuel it, I consciously fill my mind with lists of positive words such as harmony, peace, joy, heaven, love, serenity, angel, light, hope etc and I just keep going, finding as many words as I can and make it a sort of mantra. This calms me.

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Final score:

8points

JustAnother Soul

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I sing the song I learned in elementary school called "50 nifty united states" lol it gets my mind off of it alphabetically singing the states

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Final score:

7points

Saracynthiasylviasnout

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If I have time: crafting and audio books. If I don't: concentrating on my feet on the floor.

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Final score:

7points

Bina Cobbler

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My favorites are cuddling/training my chickens (Hens: Li, Goldie, Breda, Lynn and Roosters: Raven, Vanilla) I love them very much, and the absolute peace is amazing. I also LOVE reading. Getting into a good book (usually by Brandon Sanderson, specifically Stormlight Archive) also helps. So many times have I avoided or diffused a panic or anxiety attack because of these books!

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Final score:

7points

Haily Jynne (she/her)

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Breathe in quickly but breathe out slowly. It tricks the brain into that calming breathing out after you've been startled, but without being startled at all. Physical exercise helps. House cleaning helps. Self care like showering helps. There's no one trick that works for everyone, unfortunately, but there are a lot of tricks out there so I know that we'll all be able to find something here. Pandas taking care of Pandas. :)

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Final score:

6points

HamGoblin

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Meditation

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Final score:

6points

Karen White

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i bounce my leg whenever im bored, stressed or anxious

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Final score:

6points

SUB2TURD_

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True crime, my cat, and medication.

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Final score:

6points

Silre

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Ever heard of Undertale? I love the music. And its just a really nice thing to listen to when I need to calm down.

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Final score:

5points

Hxllokxty (They/it)

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Grounding skills! I typically use some combo of these for high anxiety, panic or uncontrollable crying. 1. Easiest one is I hand them a small rock and tell them to tell me everything they know about the rock. People usually say things like “It’s a brown rock, it has a chip on the corner.” Then I ask them what the rock surface feels like, does it feel cold or room temp? Basics like that. Then after distracting them with rock questions, I explain that that patient just uses their sense of sight and touch

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Final score:

5points

Dana

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A long quiet walk on trail/woods with my dog

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Final score:

5points

Jake 1

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It depends on what my stressor is. I’m a kindergarten teacher and sometimes dealing with the children/parents has completely worn me down. If need a short break before handling my own kids at home, I’ll take a half hour in my room with low lighting and either read, listen to an audiobook, play a mindless game, or take a short power nap. Just whatever shuts my brain off for a brief respite. If it’s just life in general, like I don’t have a specific reason to be anxious but I feel anxious anyway, then anything creative helps me. Crafting, painting, decorating, whatever. Now in cases like today where I received bad, life changing news? Movement. Working out, dancing, heavy duty cleaning, anything with real heart-rate increasing movement. It helps burn off panicky nervous energy and I usually emerge from the other side much calmer and with a clearer head.

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Final score:

5points

Amy G

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Drawing even if in terrible

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Final score:

5points

Aroace tiger (she/they/he)

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staying away from other humans as much as possible

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Final score:

5points

Sasquatch The Almighty

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For mild to moderate anxiety, treat it like an annoying client who needs to calm down. Tell it "Not now" and do something distracting. Maybe an hour later, check in with my anxiety and see how it's doing. There's a good chance it's doing better. Then back to doing something else. Then check later in the day and the anxiety will be smaller. And so on, until it's gone.

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Final score:

4points

-

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When I'm really stressed I take a hot shower and play music very loud. Sometimes I just shutdown, that's not a very good coping mechanism though.

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Final score:

4points

Virgil

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I try to reason through the anxiety. first I try to figure out exactly what I'm scared of, then

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Final score:

4points

Virtually Fabulous

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I like those pixel art games, they're great for destressing. I also go for runs, I live near a national park so I go down the nearest trail, it's really peaceful. If I'm not at home, just being alone for five minutes and talking it through helps a lot.

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Final score:

4points

oddly_informed_raven

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Hi again, btw, my bird is still my comfort,when im anxious ot shy, she's a budgie and her name is peanut, she died again a few hours ago. I hope i can see her again😭😭😭😭

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Final score:

4points

Random_player

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Playing with/hugging my two puppies and weight training.. aerobic exercise just doesn't work for me... but weights, yes.

Sometimes they are still not enough... i need to able to combine the two somehow.... puppy lifting ?

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Final score:

4points

ben woskje

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Keeping my hands busy keeps my mind calm. Continuously learning and accomplishing projects help

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Final score:

4points

Elyse Meimari

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i like to say the alphabet backwards, because it makes me think. also take deep breaths in between.
Z... breathe...Y..... breathe
it really helps, trust me, especially in a panic attack or anxiety attack

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Final score:

3points

Robert

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Often times don't take care of my anxiety properly, and it usually leads to a panic attack. When I do deal with my anxiety, I take some deep breaths, and try to focus on slowing my heart rate. Because I've had multiple panic attacks before, I usually take my pulse often. Sometimes I also try reassuring myself via positive self-talk.

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Final score:

3points

Mystique Brown

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I’ve yet to find one. It doesn’t help, but alcohol is still my only coping mechanism. My cats help me a little bit but are a cause of great anxiety too! One of them is stuck in a cycle of itch, scratch, make it bleed, let it scab over, scab becomes itchy, scratch, make it bleed, scab over … and so on!

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Final score:

3points

Jods

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Running. Everytime I get anxious or snappy because of stress my bf will ask if I would like to go for a run. Works everytime! Good music in my ears and bringing the dogs along helps too.

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Final score:

3points

Anita Lourens

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any kind of noise helps me. i just find a place that has lows, constant noises and kind of sit and stare until i feel a little better. i also like to sit in the shower with loud music on and sit on the shower floor.

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Final score:

3points

TMWQ

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When I'm at work, I have found doing stock count helps me. The Company loves it, as do my collegues, as it is one thing others hate doing. Half an hour of it calms me enough to go back to doing everything else.

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Final score:

3points

Mark Howell

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Cats…just cats and only cats (or chinchillas if you have one)

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Final score:

3points

Cherry_Limead

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If possible, something that involves moving. At work, I’ll try to go for a walk. If I’m home, yoga, yard work, or lots of cleaning. If my mind just will not settle, heavy metal music. Anything that will distract or drown out the noise in my head and hopefully reset my brain for a while. The music thing helps when I’m stuck with an issue at work, too. I also have a “things that give me anxiety” bingo card for work. It’s almost all forms of public speaking that I’d never thought I’d have to do as peon - like presenting something to over 40 people without much forewarning.

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Final score:

2points

Pheebs

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Cooking. When I get wound up I head straight to the kitchen. To do things properly takes every bit of my concentration. After a while I forget what set me off, and I can relax and enjoy and appreciate what I have just made.

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Final score:

2points

Mistralok

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Learn as many lessons as I can so as not to repeat the same reasons for the pain. Acceptance that pain is. That’s a big one. Because life is difficult and the reward for repairing the damage done to me that I continued to repeat to myself. That finally asking for help starts the healing. And I have found heaven is on earth, not after death. And accept that I do the best I can. Always. It is a sign of forgiveness for myself and kindness toward others, who are also doing the best they can. Think about it. No matter what. You ARE doing the only thing you can and that is the best you can do.

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Final score:

2points

Leslie Hill

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Sleep. Hard to get, and keep, with anxiety. I found a little trick to quickly get myself back to sleep during the night. Maybe it will work for others: When I wake (and don't have to go to the WC), I keep my eyes closed, try not to move (much), and sing a Nickelback song in my head. My brain gets bored quickly and I usually fall right back to sleep. It doesn't have to be Nickelback, of course, I think any dumb song would work (just not something to bring up emotions).

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Final score:

2points

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Redefining my day
I try to find joy in every day no matter how small. And use it to light my way

(Autism, PTSD, OCD & Anxiety.. if ganged up with migraine answer changes to hiding in my darkroom/converted walkin closet)

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Final score:

2points

Rysavy Weisz

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I always carry at least one small object or a plush or I chew gum

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Final score:

2points

Oblivian Royale

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I go outside by myself and just breathe. I clear my mind and watch the sunset most days

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Final score:

2points

\.kirsten./

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I find that going outside at night, when everyone is in bed, and take three deep yoga breaths. If I can feel that my stress levels are about to pop I go outside and breath. I also chant "Goosephaba" No kidding! From the movie Anger Managment. Music also is good for you. Play some air guitar.

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Final score:

2points

Mel Schmidt

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I have this stuffed bunny and and a security blanket that help me a lot, whenever I hug my bunny or I cuddle up in my security blanket i always feel like my mom is there hugging me and telling me that everything will be ok. I also like to do art especially painting and also baking/cooking helps.

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Final score:

2points

PansexualFrying_Pan

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In times of high stress/ anxiety simply grip your left wrist with your right hand and squeeze moderately hard. Say the word; "Calm" gently to yourself over and over.
Doing this has dramatic results. Something to do with your pulse and heartbeat. You can feel it working.

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Final score:

2points

Sail Westerly

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Holding onto something always helped. Whether a pen, keys, a small stone, any small object that I can hold in my hand. If the anxiety becomes overwhelming, since I was a small child I found holding onto something solid always helps calm the body and mind. I used to wake up from anxious nightmares and just reach my hand up to hold onto the headboard of my bed. It always gave relief. So, a table or wall - hands firmly grabbing or flat on something solid will help grounding. And of the times driving in the car during road trips, anxiety has hit from time to time - I turn on the music, loud, to drown out the thoughts in my head - that always helps.

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Final score:

2points

Lily

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I don't know if someone else said this but pushing your tongue against the roof of your mouth during a panic attack. It helps lower your heart rate some how. Just don't do this to much because I would do this all the time and it irritated my tongue, don't know how.

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Final score:

1point

Anonymousplease

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Here's a two-fer.
First, mine. Hold your arms out directly from the shoulders. Take a deep brea

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Final score:

1point

chas ames

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Medication. Lots of medication. Only medication. Oh, and also pessimism. When you know nothing matters and you are already sure everything will always suck anyway (which, admit it, is always true), then you are under a little less pressure because you know you won't miss out on any chance as chances never happen in the first place.

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Final score:

1point

Ryan Deschanel

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When I'm at home, I'll put on a pair of noise-canceling headphones and a sleep mask and sit on the floor. It's a bit like meditation for me, being able to experience the complete nothingness allows me to calm down and, when I'm ready, work through whatever caused me anxiety. I also love singing my anxiety out or acting inside my head as a means of escape.

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Final score:

1point

LavenderAxolotl

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I get really itchy when anxious, so I like to gently rub my fingers on my arms.

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Final score:

1point

Erica Aki

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Being aware of my breathing and taking deep breaths. Mindfulness has helped me sooo much. And a good, warm hug helps me calm down.

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Final score:

1point

Lykke

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Meditation mode. I immediately go into it even if I'm on a bus, at work or walking around.

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Final score:

1point

Vishy

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Solitaire, on my phone. Calms me.

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Final score:

1point

JonaLou2U

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Petting my dog, spending time alone outside, and finding quiet places. I have hypersensitivity, especially to noise, so wearing noise canceling AirPods helps in loud situations. Playing the cello also helps me relax. I have social anxiety, so in social situations I sometimes take little breaks to recharge, or take deep breaths. Meditation before bedtime helps my anxiety so I can sleep.

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Final score:

1point

Ceili Ann Tibbitts

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My coping method is going for a small drive. I think it's because, growing up, neither home or school were safe havens for me. I was constantly bullied and threatened in school and I would go home to an verbally abusive mother that had no problem hit us if we stepped a toe out of line.

On the weekends, my Dad would load me up in the car and take me for a long drive. We'd stop in small towns for ice cream or lunch. It was one of the only times I didn't need to feel afraid and I knew I was safe. Now it's a coping mechanism.

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Final score:

1point

Carol Emory

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When it gets really bad, I let out the loudest, longest primal scream, drop to my knees of exhaustion, stay there for as long as it takes. When I get up Im a different person!

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Final score:

1point

Inside looking out

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Dropping the Anchor. Also known as 5-4-3-2-1.

1. The first step is to look around the room and name (out loud) five things that you can see (a clock on the wall or a car.

2. The second step is to focus on four things that you can feel. This could be the fan blowing on your face, or the texture of your jeans. Describe each out loud.

3.The third step is to name three things that you can hear. This could be a bird outside to the hum of the fridge.

4.The fourth step is to notice two things that you can smell. Perhaps the room freshener and you can smell something specifically (like a book or an eraser).

5.The fifth step is to focus on one thing that you can taste. Take a sip of water or coffee and describe how it tastes. Or you can eat a mint.

This technique helps get you out of an anxiety spiral and back into your body. It works well to ‘drop the anchor’ when you feel overwhelmed in the storms of life.

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Final score:

1point

Crystel Nixon

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I draw it helps me release and transform all the icky stuff inside into something that I enjoy

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Final score:

1point

Bry

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I sit alone and writ stories or read

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Final score:

0points

Okasan Willis

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You are going to have to be more specific regarding what situation calls for coping skills. How someone deals with illness, family, work, relationships, society, death, loss, personal issues, require different coping skills.

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Final score:

-1point

bumble bee

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