Building Your Coping Toolbox

Distraction skills are strategies you can use to manage distress, eating disorder urges and navigate moments of emotional overwhelm. The Distraction Skills resource introduces a range of approaches, from active techniques that redirect your focus to mindful practices that help you slow down and recenter.

Over time, these tools can replace harmful behaviors with active self-regulation that truly supports your healing.

Why Coping Skills Support Recovery

Regular practice of coping skills builds resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of control.

In this guide, you’ll explore:

• Types of behaviors that can to temporarily draw your attention away from your thoughts and feelings.

• When to use distraction versus mindfulness.

• Simple, accessible ways to redirect your thoughts and energy when it is more effective to cool down before taking action.

These tools are designed to grow with you, becoming your go-to distraction strategies during challenging moments.

What You’ll Find Inside

Inside this resource, you’ll discover a thoughtfully organized list of common distraction behaviors along with a space to plan situations to use the distraction skill and brainstorm a personalized list of coping techniques.  Distraction skills can support emotion regulation as they help you broaden your focus and attention in difficult moments. This guide offers clear, compassionate guidance to help you choose what works best for you.

🌱 Continue Your Practice

Explore our Mindfulness Activities for more ways to stay grounded and connected.