One way to manage painful emotions is through distraction. One of the main ways to distract oneself and to do it in a way that is not self-destructive is to use the five senses. Below is a list of different techniques using the five senses to help cope.
" Holding your hands under water
" Washing the dishes
" Taking a bath
" Holding ice cubes
" Cooking/baking
" Lighting candles
" Listening to music
" Snapping a rubber band on your wrist
" Eating your favorite food
" Lighting incense
" Having a massage
" Watching a movie
" Deep breathing
" Exercise
" Getting hair done
" Swimming
" Cleaning the house
" Doing the laundry
" Playing a game
" Gardening
" Crafts
" Reading a book
" Taking a shower
" Playing an instrument
" Seeing a friend
" Window shopping
" Visit a zoo
" Plant a tree
" Rearrange furniture
" Look at photos
" Go to an art gallery
" Adopting a pet
" Have some hot chocolate with whipped cream
" Getting a manicure or pedicure
" Take a nap
" Pray or meditate
" Go out dancing
" Going to a concert
" Planning a trip or vacation
" Boating
" Playing cards
" Doing a crossword puzzle
" Writing stories/poems
" Going for a drive
" Going to the beach
" Doing artwork
" Going to the casino
" Listening to nature sounds
" Wrestling or boxing
" Being with someone I love
" Being with my children
" Prayer
" Listen, watch, or read something funny (Proverbs 17:22)