Amy Morin, LCSW, the author of three books including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," She stated coping skills help manage distress, and not avoid it, for which I agree. Trauma work can help us get the inner workings of our unconscious behaviors and responses. Prior to making changes, however, it is a good idea to have some tools in place (like giving up drinking alcohol). Here is a list of some useful coping skills when experiencing distress.

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Healthy Coping Skills for Uncomfortable Emotions

• Bake a treat

• Clean the house (or a closet, drawer, or area)

• Cook or enjoy a slow meal

• Dance to your favorite songs

• Do yoga

• Do your hair

• Draw

• Drink tea

• Garden

• Go for a walk

• Engage in a hobby

• Exercise

• Have a picnic

• Join a book club

• Laugh

• Lift weights

• Listen to music

• Look at pictures that bring joy and remind you of important people or place

• Make a gratitude list

• Meditate

• Play a game with your kids

• Play with a pet

• Practice breathing exercises

• Pray

• Read a book you have always been curious about

• Self-compassion exercise

• Spend time in nature

• Take a bath or a shower

• Take care of your body in a way that makes you feel good (paint your nails, do your hair, put on a face mask)

• Use a relaxation app

• Use aromatherapy

• Use progressive muscle relaxation

• Watch a movie

• Write in a journal