[Seaswept]

What is your best coping skill or activity that you actually use/do?
an how do you incorporate it into your day?

I always seem to do bad things to me when I am stressed, like smoke or overeat and haven't exercised in ages. Thank god I'm not a big drinker lol.

How do I replace the bad habits with new ones?
I feel like I don't know how to anymore.
Any tips?

[eskielover]

I distract myself by sometimes watching a movie on my computer, or working on a Bible study that I am going to or I also start working on my crafts....painting or beading jewelry.

Sometimes I call up an older friend from church & see if they want company (if it's not too late at night).....but then sometimes I just go to bed & go to sleep because it's what my body needs most....wake up 12 hours later feeling better....especially if I take the meds that help me sleep

music, i guess.

it can express so many emotions.. and i'm usually always listening to something or another

[Seaswept]

Those are good Eskie.. I love to watch movies its an escape and art is a good hobby

Shattered, I always listen to music in the car...not sure why I don't put it on at home. I'll have to remember to.

[eskielover]

Actually, listening to classical music, studies have been done that Classical music is the only kind of music that releases the endorphins that causes the mind to relax......no wonder why I did so well in junior college....I was a music major...not only listening but performing classical....surrounded by it. Other kinds of music to not provide the same release of the endorphins. My DBT group leader was the one who found the results of that study.....but I definitely agree

[BlackPup]

Exercise used to be my best but i'm struggling with that at the moment cos of the heat and the pregnancy (I'm 21 weeks and have been really tired at night when it gets cool enough to exercise) I usually go for long walks with the dog.
I, like Eskielover, often go to sleep if that's whats needed - if I'm getting overly upset about something and need to get away from it - haven't needed to do that in a while but it works well.
Journalling works well for me if I'm anxious or obsessing over things - it helps me process what I'm dealing with. I don't journal regularly anymore but definitely if something is worrying me.
I try to schedule something for each day to keep busy and keep in contact with other people.

[eskielover]

When I was pregnant....years ago now....but I was into exercising also....& I found that swimming was wonderful during my pregnancy...I swam most of the whole time. During the summer, our unheated apartment pool was great...but when fall hit & the colder weather, I ended up driving to the pool at the university I was going to & continued swimming in the indoor pool. I was determined NOT to gain as much weight as all my friends did with their pregnancies.....& I didn't. Exercise was the key to a very healthy pregnancy for me.....I was even down hill skiing the week before I went into labour.