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what are some good and healthy distractions from my anxiety when it gets really bad?

304 Answers
Last Updated: 06/26/2020 at 12:10pm
what are some good and healthy distractions from my anxiety when it gets really bad?
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.

Top Rated Answers
hopefulWhisper21
April 23rd, 2018 4:54pm
When anxiety takes over, it is important to turn to healthy distractions instead of destructive ones. Some good methods for this include; writing out your feelings, music, going outside, singing, playing with animals, cleaning, having a hot shower, self pampering
Anonymous
November 5th, 2016 6:00pm
You could read a nice book if you like reading, to try and immerse yourself in another world. Or you could watch some videos on YouTube, maybe some challange or some "satisfying" videos.
compassionateHeart82
April 20th, 2018 8:51am
There are a heap of healthy distractions that people with Anxiety use to cope with their anxiety, especially when it all becomes too much. Distractions that will help you, are usually the ones that are things you like doing or even hobbies. Some of the ones i think are the most helpful include: Mindfulness; which includes breathing exercises like deep breathing, focusing on what is around us, focusing on good memories. Listening to music, especially calm relaxing Having a nice warm bath or shower to relax tension Colouring pictures or drawing Watching a favourite tv show or movie, I especially love funny humorous videos on YouTube - but it is different for each person. Cuddling pets, going for a walk Yoga, reading Blowing bubbles - i remember being told this by a therapist a while ago and it is so relaxing blowing bubbles and popping them! even doing some cooking could be a thing to try This is only a short list, feel free to contact me if you would like some more :)
0bspeaks
October 30th, 2016 9:48pm
For me, things that stimulate me and require my full attention are the key. Watching TV or playing video games usually doesn't cut it because those thoughts can still creep in while I'm passively consuming what's on the screen - I need to be actively engaged. Things like writing, drawing, playing an instrument, or reading a thought-provoking book have always been useful to me. I suggest you try doing something along those lines and maybe it'll work for you too :)
TheWillowTreeAndI1
April 18th, 2018 10:24pm
I like to play games on my tablet, watch a comedy, talk to a friend or do some sewing. Work also helps me. Anything which moves the focus away from myself and my symptoms onto something which requires my intellect, thinking and action.
Ebeyn
April 14th, 2018 7:46am
Talk to someone you know that will understand you. Cry as long as you want. Listen to musics, sleep or eat :)
XenSoftly
April 7th, 2018 6:48pm
Some good distractions from anxiety include going for a walk outside, talking with a friend, or doing other activities that keep your mind and body busy.
MercuryMoonChild
September 21st, 2016 12:33pm
I go outside and feel the sun. I practice mindfulness and remind myself this feeling will pass. I don't feed the fears!
originalLove71
February 23rd, 2018 10:10am
Deep breaths and focusing on something other than your feelings and thoughts really helps. For example if you are getting anxious about a date or something like that, you can focus your thoughts on the sounds surrounding you instead of your feelings.
NanaAthene
October 27th, 2015 1:06am
A good distraction is getting a stress ball or silly putty and having it close to you when needed most. And if alone, try doing some meditation.
Anonymous
May 9th, 2016 2:25am
You can do whatever you like best. Read a book, take a walk, go for a swim. Anything that interests you is ok.
MidnightPanda
September 14th, 2015 2:02am
I find that music, or any sort of hobby that you enjoy tends to help get your mind off of the anxiety. Also focusing your mind on anything else (which is where the hobby can come in at time) will usually help get rid of the anxiety, or lessen it
krazyzoeyyy101
September 14th, 2016 4:31pm
I have a worry stone that I can rub when I get anxious. Otherwise I tap my foot or listen to music. I have a necklace with a small little pendant that I hold too
SammiieSmiles
March 15th, 2018 12:41am
Lots of people find music a good distraction, finding a good uplifiting song to play through earphones. Anxiety is a troublesome and very isolating feeling if you feel like your going through it on your own. But remember your NEVER alone. You will always have someone here to talk to if things feel like theyre getting too much for you. Also, things like writing, crafting, drawing, even having a nice hot bubble bath helps. Hope you find this reply helpful, remember we are always here if you need us. Take care and good luck xx
TheLizzyMonster
April 9th, 2015 5:25am
Healthy distractions for me include playing video games, calling my boyfriend or playing with either my dog or my two rats. Another helpful distraction is helping others. I get a lot of joy from working with others to sort through their issues and in the end it helps me with my problems too.
beehappy
September 29th, 2016 5:22am
One thing I've found helps A LOT with my anxiety is taking walks. Listening to music and just walking around your neighborhood or maybe a nearby park has been proven to work just as well as an anti-depressant for people with depression and anxiety. It helps me clear my all the negative thoughts in my head and I always feel so refreshed afterwards. I was so sick of taking meds to help with my anxiety, and I remember clearly one day deciding to take a little walk out in the rain. I've been taking two walks a day ever since, for three years straight. I know exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do when feeling anxious, but give it a try, you may find the results satisfying!
Anonymous
December 10th, 2014 6:11am
Abdominal breathing, taking a warm bath, reading a book, talking to and/or getting hugs from a loved one, petting a dog/cat/bunny rabbit, working in a garden or going for a walk or run are all good ways to distract yourself from your fears and worries.
Gchurchouse96
May 30th, 2018 10:37pm
Exercise and fitness. Go on walks. Listen to soothing music too it will help rest the mind also drawing calms too
Succulents02
May 16th, 2018 9:58pm
Talking to people about anything except anxiety. It helps me get my focus off of it and also lets me socialize.
Anonymous
May 17th, 2018 9:02pm
Take a moment to stop what your doing, breath deep and think about what is causing the anxiety and think of the things that bring me joy to overcome that horrible feeling.
QuirkyGirlSparks
May 17th, 2018 11:37pm
If I have to go into a store like, Walmart....I put my earbuds in and blast some '90s jams. Music soothes my soul and helps me from getting overstimulated by over people's energy.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2018 10:10am
There are many many options to distract yourself. Such as painting, drawing, reading, spending time with a loved one. Whatever makes you happy.
humbledbygrace
May 20th, 2018 11:08am
Good healthy distractions come from being mindful. You could try using your senses, noticing real things around you that you can smell, touch, see, feel, and maybe taste. Also, focus on your breathing and allow yourself time to calm down. Breath slowly, 4 seconds in, pause, 4 seconds out.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2018 6:32pm
Cats are a great way for me to calm down. I can stroke that soft fur and they stay with me and give me some kind of safety - I‘m a cat person! Reading a book, drawing and writing helps me as well - that way I actively focus on something else that I can do well and I can calm down.
Jacobbjackson
May 24th, 2018 10:31pm
Just any positive way to cope is good. Do something that makes you feel good and that helps you to get your mind off the moment.
Lskraa
May 26th, 2018 4:34am
-Listening to quiet ASMR -Rain sounds/White noise -Reading -Laying on your front with something heavy resting on your upper back. (really effective one for me!) -Quiet time with pets, if you have any!
juniper20
June 20th, 2018 7:18am
Going on a walk, taking a minute to focus on your breathing, using a stress ball, having a necklace/bracelet/ring to fiddle with can all be good in-the-moment coping strategies for you to try. It also might help to look up a list of ways to cope with your anxiety.
Globalsky
May 30th, 2018 1:45pm
Practice deep breathing through your nose in one nostril and out the other. The slowed breathing rate can help you slow your heart rate down
ITJoy64
February 21st, 2018 1:00am
Some good and healthy distractions when dealing with anxiety can be breathing exercises, aerobic activity, music, writing, and watching tv.
TranquilIvy
June 14th, 2018 3:33am
Distractions for Anxiety: 1. Listen to calming music 2. Take a long walk to clear your mind 3. Try a mindfulness exercise 4. Draw, Sketch, or Color 5. Watch your favorite Movie or Show 6. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. 7. Journal your thoughts to let it all out 8. Focus on your safe place