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Your favorite distractions?

bin_tenn

bin_tenn

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What do you all lean on most to distract your mind when anxious?

For me, it really just depends on my overall mood. I mostly enjoy reading articles and books about history (everything from ancient civilizations to recent history). If I'm not doing that, I may go for a drive around town while listening to music - what I listen to depends on my overall mood as well. Sometimes I play music (guitar, keyboard), or write/record rap songs. And other times I may find projects to do around the house.

If I'm very anxious, I'll spend some time trying to address it directly. Breathing exercises and other techniques designed to calm an anxious mind. I try not to fight back too hard anymore, because that makes me feel more tired afterward (rightfully so). I just try to chill out enough that I can better focus on other things, then I move on.

What about you?
 
Cuchculan

Cuchculan

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Music when I am outside the house. At home I read a lot and do jigsaws.
 
Grace360

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Depression often times my depression interferes with my ability to find hobbies I like. But usually I am on my phone for a large portion of the time, mobile games. Watching TV shows I like. Media is the biggest distraction.
 
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iwakami

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I find it very hard to get distracted of anxiety. When i do things that i like, like hobbies, i sometimes do get anxiety disturbances. Because these activities give me space to think and feel myself.

What usually is efficient is, strangely, having the pressure to work, for example in my day job. Yes, i feel stress and probably it will harm me later, but i don't think about axienty. If i have less work, then i have more space again for anxiety again. I actually think that the stress i get at work (nowadays, since i've learned some stress management techniques) is residual and might not harm me. My psychiatrist doesn't want me to take long periods of vacations too. He says it's benefic to keep working, in my case, LOL.

If a hobby implies doing it with full attention and dedication, then i can get away from anxiety. Drawing/painting and jogging are notable exceptions. But music, reading books, TV, youtube videos, etc, always give me room to start an anxiety crisis. Mostly because my mind drifts away into the body feelings. Actually my first panic attack happend while i was super chill watching a youtube video.

This will probably get better with time and a more complete acceptance of the feelings that trigger anxiety...
 
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alwaysworried

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I like to read (nothing better than getting stuck in a good book), watch movies, paint, draw, play piano. I agree with what @iwakami said though, I find that sometimes those more passive activities leave too much room for my mind to wander. I do find that if I go about my "normal" day, even if I start off feeling anxious, I usually feel much better by the end of the day. Unfortunately now with the pandemic, losing my part-time job, and all of my university work being online/not super engaging, I don't really have a "normal" and I have more time than ever to sit around or procrastinate! Used to go for a good workout to clear my mind, but now even that makes me panicky. I've found it beneficial in the past to pick up some easy knitting or crochet to keep my hands and mind busy while I watch something in the background. Thinking about trying that again. That way I can enjoy watching a show or movie, but my brain and hands will still be occupied with the knitting/crocheting and I'm less likely to spiral/constantly check in with myself to see if I'm feeling ok.
 
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BenAnxiety

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I wish I could distract myself. I've tried multiple things but I'm so concerned about my throat (something stuck in throat sensation) that I can't take my mind away from it. Doctor thinks its reflux (never been tested) and anxiety.

Sucks :(
 
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iwakami

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BenAnxiety said:
I wish I could distract myself. I've tried multiple things but I'm so concerned about my throat (something stuck in throat sensation) that I can't take my mind away from it. Doctor thinks its reflux (never been tested) and anxiety.

Sucks :(
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I had that too... Have you tried simple stuff like sucking candy or chewing gum, or something like that (maybe something without sugar) that stays for a long time?
 
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BenAnxiety

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iwakami said:
I had that too... Have you tried simple stuff like sucking candy or chewing gum, or something like that (maybe something without sugar) that stays for a long time?
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I'm going to try chewing gum. I only really get relief when I either eat or drink so I'm always sipping on water. Also got prescribed omeprazole (40mg) today to see if that helps. I'm just relieved there is no pain, or it isn't affecting my swallowing or breathing.
 
TruthHurts

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BenAnxiety said:
I'm going to try chewing gum. I only really get relief when I either eat or drink so I'm always sipping on water. Also got prescribed omeprazole (40mg) today to see if that helps. I'm just relieved there is no pain, or it isn't affecting my swallowing or breathing.
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I totally understand that feeling.
 
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BenAnxiety

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TruthHurts said:
I totally understand that feeling.
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Sucks doesn't it? I'm totally consumed by it, and to top it off I'm getting intermittent pain in both sides of my jaw, behind my ears and in my teeth/mouth (but the pain is never affects both sides at the same time, or two spots at the same time).

I'm desperate to get an endoscope down my throat as I'm so paranoid, but I can't afford to pay the £1.8k that it would cost.
 
Izthewiz

Izthewiz

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For me jujitsu is my escape.
While training I can forget about almost anything.
There is no windows at our gym only skylights,so it is a good place to be.
I told my wife when I die I want her to hold a jujitsu tournament and raise awareness for us suffering from anxiety and depression.
 
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Iugrad91

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Exercise is #1 for me. Even just a walk helps, but I prefer a sweaty, heart pumping workout with some relaxing yoga here and there. Meditation also helps me stay in the moment. I also like to knit (I work at a yarn shop) and cook. If I’m feeling particularly lazy, just watching TV keeps my mind off anxiety.
 
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mollyfin

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YouTube. I have very little brainpower to give when I'm anxious, and YouTube requires little concentration. The only downside is it's reignited my childhood desire for a pet tarantula and the last thing I need is another mouth to feed! (Even one that only eats a cockroach every few weeks.)
 
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