Sensory coping is the practice of using sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to bring the mind back to the present moment. It is recognized as a valuable skill that can sharpen focus and ease strong emotions in everyday life. Although sensory coping may sound simple, many clients struggle to practice it, especially when under a lot of stress.
The Sensory Coping Skills handout teaches clients to intentionally use their senses to ground themselves. It encourages them to experiment with different sensory experiences to discover what feels helpful. This way, sensory awareness becomes a daily habit.
As they work through these skills, kids and teens begin to notice how tuning into their senses helps them feel calmer and more focused, especially when things get difficult. A good tip is to identify moments throughout the day to practice a coping skill — such as feeling the texture of their clothes while waiting in line or noticing the scent of their shampoo during a shower.
They can also set small reminders, such as a “sensory break” alarm or a sticky note on their desk, to pause and use their senses for a few minutes. The handout also encourages clients to create a sensory toolkit with items that they’ve found helpful in the past.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of coping skills worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Adevi, A. A., & Mårtensson, F. (2013). Stress rehabilitation through garden therapy: The garden as a place in the recovery from stress. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 12(2), 230-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2013.01.007
- Van Boeckel, J. (2007). Forget your botany: Developing children’s sensibility to nature through arts-based environmental education. The International Journal of the Arts in Society: Annual Review, 1(5), 71-82.
