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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
United States
Moderated by

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
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
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
Bran21
June 10th, 2018 2:06am
I will say music will help you with anxiety, it could help you think about anything or dancing but make sure you don’t get on social media
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 7:31am
exercise or doing something calming like reading or listening to music. Distract your mind from what's bothering you.
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
Anonymous
June 15th, 2018 2:59pm
Find something you are good at, everyone has that thing they are really good at! It may be an sport or arts or whatever you like and spend time with your loved ones!!
Anonymous
June 15th, 2018 8:40pm
Grounding. Just focusing on every sense for some time. Smell something, taste something, feel something, see something... Listen to some music, have a walk, do light exercise... Journaling, reading something, doodling...
phosphenerelief
June 17th, 2018 6:02pm
I encourage you to look into and try breathing and grounding exercises! Sounds really basic and too simple to contain the feelings you have - but breathing catalyses the anxiety and panic and preventing of you being engaged and distracted by your current surroundings. My counsellor once told me that anxiety and panic attacks aren't from you being hyper-aware, present and fearful of your current environment, but rather you focusing on past trauma and future uncertainty - so you must teach your body, and therefore consequently your mind through breathing and grounding that you are safe in your current environment.
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.
calmBlanket36
June 22nd, 2018 3:46am
Drawing, walking, practicing mindfulness, being around friends and/or family, watching your favorite tv show, taking a bath are all healthy distractions from anxiety :)
Rebekah
August 1st, 2019 8:30pm
Anxiety can really feel like it's taking over your life. It can feel like a brutal storm or a calm breeze - every person experiences it differently. In some instances, it can completely control a person and how they react in certain situations. Having experienced anxiety myself (to a certain degree), I've discovered several techniques that seem to work for me. 1) I look around me at everything I can see, and name every object and the colour. For example, if I were to name everything around me now, I'd say, "black laptop", "blue bottle", "white can" etc. 2) I tell myself silently, "I am in control. I judge what happens, not you," repeatedly. 3) I lie flat on my bed, shut my eyes, and intensely imagine a beautiful scene... like staring up at the night sky with a million stars littering it, or lying on the golden sand and listening to the calming breeze and gentle waves. I hope at least one of these could work for you.
PenelopeL
January 23rd, 2019 5:14am
I keep a special basket filled with some knitting, hand sewing, writing and drawing tools, tablet with an assortment of pens, pencils and fancy ink, some small poetry books and magazines, several scented candles, box of wooden matches, a flashlight, a few hand lotions, a couple jar of candies and one of nuts, dark glasses, headphones and listen to some music, or my favorite radio with low volume. I only bring out the basket when I am having a panic attack or anxiety. I first light a candle and will take a few things out and organize the rest and usually with 15-20 minutes with my basket I begin feel the anxiety fade.
Anonymous
February 8th, 2019 2:41am
practice breathing can help anxiety. finding a hobby can help anxiety. reading books about anxiety and coping with anxiety can calm anxiety. recognize what causes anxiety and try to stay away. reduce coffee consumption, at first i didnt think this was so serious but as soon as i stop, in a couple weeks i been calmer. listening to music, talking to people about anxiety, meditation. I found that my beliefs have help me so much control my anxiety and even held some part of it. there are so many things one can do for anxiety and the solution start with wanting to heal and doing everything it take even though it can give you sometimes anxiety about the future.
Viri1124
February 15th, 2019 11:51pm
Distracting yourself from anxiety is not an easy task, but it definitely can be done. Personally I love to draw and paint while listening to music. It helps me get out of my mind and let’s me think clearly for a bit. Another great resource to use is reading a book. When you feel like your life is stressful, then get lost in someone else’s. Books are especially great for anxiety because you have to be focusing on the words, and not on being anxious. I would also say that excersize is a great way to let go of some of your nerves while simultaneously staying in shape!
reassuringplush
February 17th, 2019 2:49pm
Well, having anxiety can be very tiring for the mind but here are some good and healthy distractions you can do if it gets really bad: try to work on what you like, your passion for example or you can do some meditation too to calm yourself. Meditation will not only calm your mind but it will help you organize better everything that is going on. If it gets really bad, you can listen to some calming music or do some exercise too. Or, try to connect with some of your friends, talk together, laugh together. It will just make you feel better and worry less.
writemesonnets
February 21st, 2019 10:49am
I hold my breath for seven seconds. For me anxiety comes in quick breaths that I can't control. Holding my breath for seven seconds helps me regain control of my body. Start by holding you breath for seven seconds. Then exhale for six seconds. Inhale for five. Hold for seven. Exhale for six. This slows your heart rate and can be very grounding. When you count your breaths its harder to focus on the things making you anxious. After grounding myself I like to write letters. They don't have to be to a person. They can be to anything you want really. But I've found the most helpful letters I write are to myself. It helps me validate my feelings and deal with my anxiety.
Anonymous
March 6th, 2019 5:30am
Take time to breathe Take breaks from what's giving you anxiety Tell your teachers and parents how you feel. Make sure you are comfortable with where you are and the situation your in. If not tell someone how your feeling and ask if you can take a break and go to another room. There are many other ways to help with anxiety and you can find some on Google as well. I hope this helped you in some way. Maybe keeping a journal and writing down how you feel can also help. Different things work for different people. Find what works best for you
Spiritualvegan68
March 6th, 2019 11:38am
I have found many good and healthy distractions to help with anxiety. 1.talking to a trusted loved one 2.watching a movie or tv show that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable 3. Reading a good book or a magazine that brings you joy 4.meditating or practicing yoga is a good way to ease anxiety 5.writing in a journal or notebook 6.taking your dog on a walk or going on a walk on your own or with a friend 7.lighting a candle and taking a relaxing bath 8.leaving your house to get some fresh air 9.taking a nice long hot shower 10.i find cooking to a be a peaceful activity to help with anxiety
dxphne
March 28th, 2019 9:42am
Whenever I feel really anxious I always get the urge to go outside, sometimes I like going on walks but other times even sitting outside calms my mind a bit, just getting some fresh air. Other distractions that might work are listening to (calming!!) music, writing, drawing, painting, reading, watching tv or youtube, talking with friends or playing a game on your phone or computer. Working out is also very good for your mental health, it doesn't necessarily work for me but I've heard really good experiences from other people. I'd recommend trying different things out and see what works best for you.
suchanorigianlusername
April 19th, 2019 11:28pm
Try taking care of yourself! This is something that I love doing when my anxiety seems extreme. Take a shower or bath (use a bath bomb!), shave, put on a face or hair mask, put on some lotion, paint your nails, (for if you're a girl) and have some good music on the whole time. Then maybe read a book, go for a run, or meet a friend for coffee. And know that you can always message me or request me as a listener. Our community is open to anymore questions you may have, and we'd love to chat with you!
Anonymous
April 26th, 2019 8:55pm
I am writing this based on what has worked the best for me. When we are suffering with anxiety at the same time we are trying so hard to run from it at the same time if this makes any sense? It's a horrible feeling and we want so bad for it to leave us. Someone once said to me once to sit with it acknowledge the feeling in the solar plexus, pay proper attention to it, feel the anxiety without judging it, just concentrate on that feeling and keep doing this untill you feel it has gone down slightly and then sit with it some more, observe the feeling try to point to where exactly you feel the anxiety is it just on your solar plexus where else can you feel it ? give these feelings your full attention but dont judge them just feel. I don't know how this works but it worked for me. I'm not saying it will work for everyone but it's worth a try.
jshar98
April 27th, 2019 4:05pm
Hello there! First, I would like to say that I think that it's really great that you are seeking out some resources for positive coping mechanisms for your anxiety! There are many different methods that may help with your anxiety so you can choose which ever strategy is most suitable for you. A commonly used method is deep breathing. For deep breathing exercises they can be as long or as short of you would like (ex. for immediate anxiety coping 1-5 min. or for general anxiety 15-30 min.). Basically, you would inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth slowly and try to be aware of your breathing. There are videos online which could help guide you through the exercise. Exercise is also a great way to manage anxiety. For instance, going outside for a short walk or doing activities in the gym can be very helpful for your anxiety/stress levels as well as your overall health! It may also be helpful to watch something funny! Of course, if things are getting very overwhelming it might be beneficial to speak with a professional as they can help you better understand the triggers behind your anxiety and help you develop and individualized coping plan. I hope you find this helpful!
TakeABreakToria024
June 5th, 2019 10:32pm
Some things that I have found over the years as useful have been ... 1. Ice in the hands or on your face :) cooling ourselves down quickly can really help ! 2. Listening to my favorite song really really loud and probably on repeat haha 3. Go for a walk always a great idea ! And can bring music as well to help block people out . 4. Chatting ! When I needed it I aways reach out never be afraid to reach and talk to someone :) Your feelings are always valid and theres always someone willing to listen ! Always !
Anonymous
July 4th, 2019 5:48pm
Try meditating or doing something you enjoy. Also talking to people really helps. If you enjoy reading maybe you could read a feel good kind of story to take your mind of things. Try taking some slow, deep breathes as well. Think about something that make you feel really good, maybe it's your family or your dogs, maybe it's being outdoors, exploring nature. Exercise can also help take your mind off of the things causing you stress and it's good for your health! But whatever you do just remember that what works for someone else might not always work for you so try out different things. Explore yourself and you'll find something that helps, I'm sure!
DragonView2
July 14th, 2019 2:01pm
Washing your hands. Playing a videogame. Calling friends that you like talking to. Thinking of your hopes. Thinking of things that you are grateful for. Drinking some water. Listening to music that you like and dancing it out or doing Zumba. Playing repetitive music in your mind, tapping with a foot as you do. Playing yo-yo. Holding a stress ball. Breathing deeply focusing on your breathing. Doing deep muscle relaxation. Watching and engaging movie. Going out for a run. Cooking. Taking a bath, giving yourself a self-massage. Writing a story. Reading jokes. Thinking of past successes. Seeing yourself as a child friend that you love very much and that is suffering and that you want to make feel better, and treating yourself like it. Laughing. Sleeping (if you can), so long as it is not more than 10 hours a day. Stretching for a few minutes. Playing with your children, if they are well behaved. Asking your children, spouse, or trusted friend for a massage. Letting water run over your body. Getting yourself into a nice, comfortable position. Putting your hands behind your head while laying down or leaning back, looking to one side without turning your head, until you swallow or yawn, then looking to the other side until the same happens. Playing music. Going out, looking at the sky, feeling the wind, the sun, the smells, the tastes, what you can touch, and thinking about what you like about those sensations. Petting a tame animal. Getting or giving a moderately long hug with someone that you trust. Writing down all your emotions, negative and positive.
MissLisa
July 19th, 2019 4:21pm
I have struggled with anxiety for a number of years and I feel it is important to first understand your current coping mechanisms. For me mine was avoidance. Something came up that made me anxious so I wouldn't attend. Running from something can be detrimental and it is much more helpful to push through this and use positive coping strategies. This could be breathing exercises, mindfulness etc. I have also found a weighted blanket to be of use as this is a grounding technique. Each time I feel anxious I take time out wrapped in my blanket and i focus on my breathing. Heat pads/ weighted pads can also be useful.
Anonymous
July 27th, 2019 8:36am
Anxiety can be a real mess. There are different ways to deal with anxiety. I do that by writing about how I'm feeling and if there's a reason behind what I'm feeling and if there's a reason, I try improving my situation. It usually helps and if it doesn't, I try to distract myself by watching funny videos or a drama serial that I like, reading a good book or if everything else fails, I try to sleep or daydream. Anxiety is usually a sign that we fear that something will not go our way. If there's a test coming up, we might feel anxious that we might not perform well and if that's the case, we can deal with our anxiety by studying for the test. There are different methods of going about it, the ones mentioned here are mine.
Anonymous
November 14th, 2019 7:11am
I also suffer from anxiety, so I can understand how you can easily fall into bad habits of dealing with it. I personally go for a walk! I know, exercising can put you off. But listening to a good playlist full of songs you love and going for a small walk to get your mind of things helps so much. If that isn't your thing, you can listen to music and really focus on the lyrics, or watch a movie or show. Maybe talk to a friend of figure out a puzzle. The best thing you can do is get your mind of things. I thing i often do is a thing called "3-3-3". First, start by looking around, name 3 things you see and really pay attention to them, take your time. Then, list 3 things you hear. Lastly, name 3 things you physically feel. Try to choose things that aren't the source of your anxiety (for example, if you are anxious about being in a crowd, try and not focus on the crowd, instead focus on the objects near by, or the sounds of birds, etc). If you can't find any solution, i strongly suggest going to a professional.
YourFriendToListen
December 12th, 2019 2:31am
Meditation can really help. There are apps like headspace and calm that can help you learn how to be mindful and notice your thoughts without judging them. It will take some time and practice, but even doing it 3 or 4 minutes a day at first is a good first step to going along the path. Also taking a walk or listening to a song or watching a television show to redirect your mind to something that you enjoy. Anxiety can be difficult but you don't need to let it control your life! In time and with practice you can learn the steps necessary to have a healthier relationship with it.
mirthbybirth
December 5th, 2019 3:40am
I think there are many good and healthy distractions from your anxiety when it gets really bad such as exercising, doing yoga, or doing something that you love, such as reading or maybe writing. Any type of exercise is great! Some people like long distance run to help distract themselves from anxiety. Running is very great cardio and is known to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. There have been studies that found that even five minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects. Some people also turn to yoga to help with anxiety and this is a great distraction because a lot of types of yoga focus on breathing exercises that can be super helpful! There are also loads of youtube videos out there just in case you don't want to spend loads of money on classes. On top of that, you can do yoga anywhere! Doing things that you love can also help distract from anxiety, whether that be listening to music, singing, painting, writing, etc. :) Not everything will work for you, you should try to see what works and what doesn't :)