What can I do instead of harming when I have urges?
When you have urges, try and do something that will not only distract you, but also ease the urges through a physical or emotional outlet.
Depending on why you want to self harm, you may find these ideas useful.
Physical Release/Sensation:- Running / Jogging / Walking
- Playing a sport
- Dancing
- Cool shower
- Scribbling with a pen
- Punching a pillow
- Running hand under cool water
- Holding ice
- Jumping up & down
- Singing loudly to music
Emotional Expression:- Writing about how you're feeling
- -Journal
- -Ranting
- -Chat/MSN
- -Threads
- Listening/singing to music
- Talking to someone
- Calling a helpline
- Creating something through art/poetry
... and of course, many more things you can do.
A really good and helpful list can be found
here, where you can tailor the distraction to suit your urges.