What is the best way to distract youself from wanting to self-harm?

Although it can be hard to stop self-harming, there are many ways to distract yourself from doing it. You can go and talk to somebody, go for a walk, rub ice on the place you usually self-harm, take a cold bath, hitting a punching bag, do some journalism about your feelings, creating artwork, put elastic bands on armas,wrists, or legs and flick them. But the most important thing is to talk to somebody.

• HIT a cushion / punch bag / throw a cushion against a wall • Smash a water melon • Kick a football against a wall • Squeeze ice really hard • Squeeze a stress ball • Tear up a newspaper/phone directory • Play loud music and dance energetically – be as wild as you like • Draw on the place you want to cut with red marker pen, fake blood or watered down food colouring • Write words on yourself with a red marker pen • Spend some energy - go for a walk/swim/go to the gym/ride a bike/go running

Things that keep your mind or hands busy are helpful. Plenty of things can serve as a distraction: Cleaning out under fingernails, playing a video game, going for a walk, writing feelings down, calling a friend, making some tea, and many more!

If you feel like self-harming, try to wait 5 minutes before you do. Once 5 minutes are up, you see if you can go another 5 minutes.

There are several ways to distract yourself from wanting to self harm. But the thing is, usually different things work for different people. For me, the best things that help me are: reading, listening to music, writing and painting. But I think the most helpful thing I do to stop myself is talking to someone. You don't have to talk about your problems; just talking to someone who cares can distract you from anything bad.

I liked making huge playlists on Spotify and listening to every song. It really distracted me and helped to focus my attention on something positive.

try to channel that energy into something else. learn to start a new healthy habit that can replace self-harm, such as drawing on yourself or something else along those lines.

Call a self harm hotline (1-800-366-8288). Also find a new hobby that makes you happy and consumes time.

Exersising helps me alot. You could also squeeze an ice cube, punch a pillow, draw on your wrist or thigh with a red marker, or try the butterfly method. Pm me if u need more suggestions or someone to talk to :)

I like to carry a notebook with me wherever I go. When I feel the urge to do something, I busy open my notebook and write down my feelings and explain why I am feeling this. If you do.t like to write, find something that you are passionate about, maybe that'll help.

In my opinion, I think the best way to not think about wanting to self-harm is to do the things that you like and release endorphins that make you feel relieved, safe and happy. Doing your favourite things can also make you feel better about your situation.

Music is a grand way to distract yourself from everything. Especially during self harm urges, you should listen to music you won't get triggered to.

Personally, I listen to music, watch tv, surf the internet. Anything that requires a certain level of concentration

Think of all the good times and think o the people you'll hurt if you hurt yourself. Just think of how much it wil hurt afterward..

I would think of the positives, never the negatives. Find a good place to just stop, and think. Finally, realize that people will love you for who you are. You are you. You are beautiful. Never change for someone else. And things aren't always your fault, try not to pin them on you.

Do stuff, or look at stuff that make you happy! For example, read a book, or write a blog, clean! (If that makes you happy! lol) Keep stuff sitting around your that makes you happy when you look at it. Like pictures from a fun memory, or books that you enjoy,or strong quotes. Also, talk to someone. During times like that it maybe hard to stay strong so having someone to talk you through is a big help. :)

In my opinion the best way to distract yourself is to talk to someone and to do stuff.It doesnt have to be something big.Just take your friend and go shopping, eat ice cream, go for a walk.You should do something that makes you feel happy.And it´s always good to bring a friend, because he or she can distract you too :)

You could try taking your anger out by ripping some old newspapers and magazines or breaking some sticks.You can even try engaging yourself in some work or tell yourself that you'll do it later like after completing your work or watching a movie, and by the time you finish that, you will be calmer. This technique worked for me!

Write a journal! in the journal you write down your feelings, why you want to self-harm etc. Then you work through your urges and strive for a better day. Give yourself goals and rewards when completing them :) Good luck!

I have learned,that the best ways to help take your mind off of it are,taking walks,listening to music,drawing,writing or even watching t.v. https://self-injury.net/