Cutting yourself is a dangerous way to deal with emotions. This form of self-harm is so addictive that quitting is just as difficult as detoxing from drugs. Below you will find several ways to distract yourself when you have the urge to cut yourself.
Steps
Step 1. Do something active
Exercise, yoga, meditate, or go for a walk. This type of activity helps you clear your mind and relax.
Step 2. Talk to someone
Talk to a friend about your problems. Ask someone to give you a hug.
- Try to distract yourself by spending time with friends or family members you trust. Go for a ride, or, if possible, plan a weekend somewhere to take a break.
- You don't have to tell people what's going on. Just explain that you are feeling low or that things are not going very well if it is easier for you.
Step 3. Laugh
When you are upset, watch a funny movie, laugh with friends, or do something that cheers you up.
Step 4. Go to the internet
Search for things that interest you, or answer user questions on forums, or chat with someone.
Step 5. Read, listen to music, draw / scribble or do other activities
Step 6. Write
For example, write poetry or start writing a book. Or, write a letter where you tell all your feelings and things that are bothering you, then burn it.
Step 7. If the temptation to cut yourself is too intense, put rubber bands on your wrists (or wherever you want to cut) and tear them whenever you feel like cutting yourself
Rub an ice cube where you usually cut, or place it between the folds of your arms and legs. If you want to see blood, apply red dye or paint to the skin, or draw with a red pen; otherwise, take a cold bath.
Step 8. Play a game
You can make a box game, search for video games online, or invent your own. Playing is a great way to get distracted.
Step 9. Set goals
Start small, for example: staying clean for a week. When you reach the goal, reward yourself and continue to extend the goal, for example, for another two weeks and so on.
Step 10. Clean your room until you stop wanting to cut yourself
You can even change the layout of the room, fix it and rearrange it.
Step 11. Do something that makes you feel good
It can be anything from helping a person to buy a new t-shirt, paint their nails or cook something.
Step 12. Relax
- Play with your pet. Talking to your dog or cat, playing with them and cuddling them can be of great help. Watching the fish swimming in the aquarium is also relaxing.
- Light a candle and watch the flame (but don't play with the fire).
- Take a relaxing bath with aromatherapy salts.
Step 13. Vent your anger
Hit, punch a pillow or yell at him. Play with an anti-stress ball; make plastic packaging pop with air bubbles.
