Here are 15 healthy positive coping skill exercises you should incorporate as habits in your life for relieving stress. Print them out and then post them in an area you will see while having a stressful episode.

You may find the exercise that works best for you by reading this list one-by-one. Rather than practicing any type of hurtful behavior while you are trying to cope with stress, try practicing some of the exercises as a healthy alternative. You can use these 15 coping skills exercises to help you redirect your mind away from any crisis you are presently experiencing.

Healthy Alternatives for Coping with Depression or Anxiety

1. Change your surroundings. Go for a long walk at the mall, on walking trails or at the park.

2. Make yourself feel better by listening to some feel good music that can lift your spirits. Avoid angry music, since it stimulates the negative feelings you are trying to overcome.

3. Call/text/email a SUPPORTIVE friend or family member. I emphasis supportive! When coping with anxiety attacks, sometimes friends and family members think they are helping us, but really they are hurting us. Find that special person you can trust.

4. Make yourself laugh, by watching your favorite comedy movie, DVD or video. You might collect some of your favorite funny shows when you are suffering through a stressful episode. Then sit down and watch them as you laugh your troubles away.

5. Have a special treat. Treat yourself to something special when you are feeling down in the dumps. This can help you feel better as well as create a happy moment for you.

6. Take yourself and a friend out to eat. You can treat yourself and a friend to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Ensure that the friend you do take is supportive and someone you can trust and then enjoy each other's company.

7. Play a game of cards or a board game by yourself or with others such as family or friends. You may even enjoy playing a computer game to help redirect your mind from that which is upsetting.

8. Read a good NON-THERAPY book/novel. I spent so much time reading therapy books; I forgot the joy of being transported to another time or place by reading a good non-therapy book. You need to give yourself permission to take a "therapy" break.

9. Get you feelings out by journaling or drawing. This is an all time favorite of many individuals. You can write anything you feel or the experiences you are going through. You can choose to keep it private or you may want to share it in therapy. Drawing is a great release. You may want to get your own color crayons or pencils to work with.

10. Take time with your pet. If you have a pet, you can enjoy their feelings of unconditional love towards you. Sit with your pet or play with your pet. Take your canine companion for a walk, listen to the purring of your cat or watch the tranquil activity of your fish.

11. Ride a bike and get some exercise and relaxation. There are hidden trails that you may wish to travel just to get away from it all. Allow these trails to transport you to a more peaceful atmosphere. Take in the wonderful sights and sounds of the natural world around you.

12. You can exercise your depression or anxiety away by joining a gym. This helps to change your surrounding, while doing something good and healthy for yourself.

13. Do volunteer work. I did this at my local hospital and I felt so useful again. Not only was I doing something for myself, but I was helping others at the same time.

14. Join an online or local support group. I tried this, but it proved too overwhelming for me. Only you can be the judge of this suggestion. I would give it a try and really listen to your voice inside as to if it will hurt or help you.

15. Work a puzzle. You can work on a puzzle either alone or with friends and family. Puzzles are always fun activities. You may want a small one you can complete in one sitting or you may prefer a large puzzle that you can return to time and time again.

These are just a few strategies for coping with stress. When you print this, write down some ideas of your own. Write them down, because you cannot think clearly when you are in that moment. It really helps!