COPING STRATEGIES FOR ANXIETY PROBLEMS

1) Distraction--use rubber band on wrist

2) self-talk  ("take it easy, slow down etc)

3) thought stopping:

    A) saying  STOP!!!!  loudly

    B) visualizing STOP sign   

4) breathing from diaphragm

5) saying the word C-A-L-M

6) relaxation exercises/prayer/meditation/visualizations

7) Cognitive challenge:  "What's the worst thing that could happen?"  "What would be so bad if it did?"   "Could I handle it?"

8) Use hobbies/skills/exercise/arts/journaling/reading/ as relaxants

9) avoid "quick fixes"--addictive behaviors to solve immediate anxiety

10) Use One Day at a Time(ODAT) thinking to reduce anticipation

11) Focus in on NOW  not later [sign at the mall says"you are here"]