Find the Right Distractions For Anxiety

While anxiety is not something you should avoid and pretend doesn’t exist, you can still work on finding distractions during those moments when your anxiety tends to peak. There are some excellent recommendations listed below, you want to focus on healthy distractions that are perfect for you. Sometimes, it just takes a little trial and error to figure out what your own personal distractions are.

What Do You Mean by Distractions?

This can be anything and everything that you find will help to relax your mind and focus on something else for a little while. The type of distraction you choose will depend on quite a few things, from where you are when your anxiety is heightened, to what is available to you.

For example, if you are driving when you start feeling panic coming on, turning on the radio might be a good distraction for you. While at home, you might want to watch something that is soothing for you, but will keep your mind from your current worries. Other people like creative activities like writing, coloring, or creating something.

Finding the Right Distractions

The key here is to find the distraction that is right for YOU. Your best friend might love using an adult coloring book, but if this does not help you, move on and find something else that works.

Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

Use Music to Cope – Music is a great distraction that is readily available. The trick here is to find music you personally find relaxing or soothing. For some people, music can actually make things worse, so experiment a little to figure out if this is right for you.

Watch Something Relaxing – Similar to music, watching TV or movies might be better or worse. Something that stimulates you too much may not help much, and you don’t want to watch something that creates more fear.

Read or Listen to a Book – Books provide a relaxing activity for many people, so it is definitely worth a try. If you find it hard to focus on reading, try audio books instead.

Try Creative Activities – Creative activities not only distract your mind, but give your hands something to do as well. Try drawing, painting, knitting, or participating in any hobby you enjoy.

Get Some Exercise – Moving your body might be the best distraction for you. Instead of a strenuous exercise, try keeping it light with yoga, walking, or a hike.

You can also simply get out of the house to meet a friend or play with your kids or pets at home.