What are your best distractions?

[Nutmeg]

I struggle with ruminating, a lot. It's probably my biggest issue these days. I will for example (like many of us) remember something from 10 years ago... nothing major or anything, could just be an argument or wrongdoing by someone else, or invent something awful in my mind that might never happen. But I will obsess over it until I spiral in to a deep anxiety that can last days, weeks, etc.

The past couple of days I've started the day with my coffee, and my cat, and by making a list of things to achieve/do that day in a nice book I bought. It can be anything from 'clean kitchen' or 'pay water bill', to 'paint a picture'. So far I've managed to pull myself out of spiraling out of control by looking to the list and doing one of the things.

I just hope it lasts, and works for longer than just whilst it's a new thing for me.

What are some of the techniques you've discovered or been taught? I'd really love to have what is essentially a first aid kit of things I can use when I feel myself going in the wrong direction.

 

[Cuchculan]

When out I must always have music with me. MP3 player. It really helps.

Indoors I love jigsaws. Gives me something to do. Then you have the end product. You at least feel like you have done something.

Also like reading and playing a few games.

 

[Nutmeg]

When out I must always have music with me. MP3 player. It really helps.

Indoors I love jigsaws. Gives me something to do. Then you have the end product. You at least feel like you have done something.

Also like reading and playing a few games.

Those are great ideas actually, thanks. I only bought a jigsaw last week, for the first time since I was a kid. I’m surprised at how much it’s been occupying me, and afterwards I really feel like I’ve had a break from my mind - definitely something I will do more often I think.

I used to read all the time, but I’ve been struggling to focus when I’m reading. It’s like my mind is louder than the words I’m reading! Perhaps I need to keep trying and eventually the story will overtake it.

 

[Cuchculan]

Maybe try easier types of books. You can even get graphic novels. More pictures than words. But they still tell a story. Have read a good few of them.

As for jigsaws? Try frame one. The glue you buy is different than normal glue. Simply spread it all over the finished jigsaw. It dries clear. Then you frame the jigsaw. I have always posted my jigsaws in the what did you do today thread. Still have a bundle of them I have yet to do. Tend to take a break from them from time to time.

There is also adult colouring books. Can be interesting at times.

 

[Fraser]

This list of things to do and then doing them is a great idea. For people that are obsessive (like many of us) getting a few minutes here and there where we are not consumed with health anxiety is so key to starting the healing process. Even if it is just 20 minutes a day.

One thing I have been getting into more and more is meditation. As I progress, I've gone from a few minutes a day to 45 minutes a day. You don't really let go of body scanning and health anxiety in terms of not having them during meditation, but you learn to recognize them as merely thoughts and merely feelings that you can choose to engage with or not. This has been very helpful for me, but I'm really just at the beginning of this journey.

 

[MATD]

I use the acceptance method. For everything. I have GAD which includes HA, OCD and SA. For every thought I recognize as anxiety, I use the method. I just came off of about two weeks of very low anxiety to an increase which I also accept as a normal set back. I’m not making it into a big deal, which is good for me. I’m just taking it in stride, using the method, and not freaking out. I’ve had a lot going on with things outside myself, my new car has an issue, I’m getting dental implants, my cat has kidney failure, and other things. But I’ve been able to deal with it all. Not perfectly, there have been moments, but overall I think I’ve handled these issues much, much better than before and I see the change in myself. I did get discouraged a few times, but I just stuck with the method and was able to get past these moments without falling back into old habits.

 

[Fraser]

I use the acceptance method. For everything. I have GAD which includes HA, OCD and SA. For every thought I recognize as anxiety, I use the method. I just came off of about two weeks of very low anxiety to an increase which I also accept as a normal set back. I’m not making it into a big deal, which is good for me. I’m just taking it in stride, using the method, and not freaking out. I’ve had a lot going on with things outside myself, my new car has an issue, I’m getting dental implants, my cat has kidney failure, and other things. But I’ve been able to deal with it all. Not perfectly, there have been moments, but overall I think I’ve handled these issues much, much better than before and I see the change in myself. I did get discouraged a few times, but I just stuck with the method and was able to get past these moments without falling back into old habits.

Sorry to hear about your cat. I lost my dog a couple weeks back and it is devastating.

 

[Cuchculan]

I like to think what I do is mindfulness. If I am doing a jigsaw, that is all I am focused on. Nothing else is on my mind at all. That was why I also mentioned adult colouring books. When I tried a few of them, they became my only focus. That is something you have to learn to do. Forget everything else that might be going on. This is time to switch off and just focus on a jigsaw or a picture to colour. Nothing saying you have to do this for hours. Even 15 minutes is a good start.

 

[MATD]

Sorry to hear about your cat. I lost my dog a couple weeks back and it is devastating.

Thank you. I’m sorry for your loss as well. I lost my Yorkie a year ago to trachea collapse. Long story and history there. It is devastating, I was hurting pretty bad myself, so I decided to get another dog. I adopted a Yorkie mix in April. He too has anxiety issues. We ‘re working on it and he has made a lot of improvement. Since I’m retired and don’t work, it’s a lot easier to work with him. But he’s a real sweetheart. It took my mind off the pain and gave me an avenue to refocus on. It was a tough decision but now I know it was right for me. I truly enjoy the companionship of a dog. The cat is doing well for her condition. I have to administer fluid every day and it is keeping her stable for now. Best wishes for you and know that I feel for you.

 

[Camden]

I like to distract myself with hobbies and activities to redirect my focus from obsessive anxious thoughts:

I’m into cars and working on my car, so that is a practical and rewarding thing for me to focus on. It gets me out of the house and keeps me in touch with things I enjoy doing. Last week I installed new windshield wipers to prepare for harsh winter weather. I’ve also found out about wax treatments and headlight upgrades.

Listening to music is another good one. I lose myself in relaxing instrumental music. I particularly like smooth jazz, classical, and some electronic. Jah Wobble is pretty cool…

I’m a hands on kind of person, so doing things like cooking, building, and and doing home improvement tasks are enjoyable to me. For the new year, I’m going to challenge myself to “do” something anytime the anxiety weighs me down and makes me want to stay home. I’m ready to explore some new, healthy recipes and lose myself in Lego sets and funny, mindless TV shows.

 

[Fraser]

Thank you. I’m sorry for your loss as well. I lost my Yorkie a year ago to trachea collapse. Long story and history there. It is devastating, I was hurting pretty bad myself, so I decided to get another dog. I adopted a Yorkie mix in April. He too has anxiety issues. We ‘re working on it and he has made a lot of improvement. Since I’m retired and don’t work, it’s a lot easier to work with him. But he’s a real sweetheart. It took my mind off the pain and gave me an avenue to refocus on. It was a tough decision but now I know it was right for me. I truly enjoy the companionship of a dog. The cat is doing well for her condition. I have to administer fluid every day and it is keeping her stable for now. Best wishes for you and know that I feel for you.

Thanks. When I first got him I was like "Having a dog will be fun!" I had NO IDEA how much I would come to love him, and how central he would become to my life. My experience with him fundamentally changed me as a person and I will hold him in my heart for the rest of my life.

 

[Nutmeg]

I use the acceptance method. For everything. I have GAD which includes HA, OCD and SA. For every thought I recognize as anxiety, I use the method. I just came off of about two weeks of very low anxiety to an increase which I also accept as a normal set back. I’m not making it into a big deal, which is good for me. I’m just taking it in stride, using the method, and not freaking out. I’ve had a lot going on with things outside myself, my new car has an issue, I’m getting dental implants, my cat has kidney failure, and other things. But I’ve been able to deal with it all. Not perfectly, there have been moments, but overall I think I’ve handled these issues much, much better than before and I see the change in myself. I did get discouraged a few times, but I just stuck with the method and was able to get past these moments without falling back into old habits.

Thank you for that suggestion, and I am so sorry to hear abour your cat
I have since read up a little on the acceptance method, and am keen to start using it and see how it goes. I think I will struggle with the initial part of 'facing' things, as that terrifies me. But I'm hopeful!

I like to distract myself with hobbies and activities to redirect my focus from obsessive anxious thoughts:

I’m into cars and working on my car, so that is a practical and rewarding thing for me to focus on. It gets me out of the house and keeps me in touch with things I enjoy doing. Last week I installed new windshield wipers to prepare for harsh winter weather. I’ve also found out about wax treatments and headlight upgrades.

Listening to music is another good one. I lose myself in relaxing instrumental music. I particularly like smooth jazz, classical, and some electronic. Jah Wobble is pretty cool…

I’m a hands on kind of person, so doing things like cooking, building, and and doing home improvement tasks are enjoyable to me. For the new year, I’m going to challenge myself to “do” something anytime the anxiety weighs me down and makes me want to stay home. I’m ready to explore some new, healthy recipes and lose myself in Lego sets and funny, mindless TV shows.

Those are really great options, and fit well with me. I love to make things, so setting some goals around that might be just the thing I need!
I certainly need to get on with the goal I created of making myself a dressing/wardrobe room (currently a room of chaos and clothing!) So I shall put that at the top of my list!

 

[Lanchparty7]

Old black and white tv shows from the 50’s and 60’s. It was a simpler time back then and the nostalgia of it has a calming effect on me.

Also…I daydream. A lot. Probably too much. But it is a comfort zone for me.

 

[Cuchculan]

Love the old films. Watch a few every day. Back from when life was in black and white.

 

[TruthHurts]

Old black and white tv shows from the 50’s and 60’s. It was a simpler time back then and the nostalgia of it has a calming effect on me.

Also…I daydream. A lot. Probably too much. But it is a comfort zone for me.

I still watch Leave it to Beaver, The Andy Griffith Show, Dennis the Menace, I Love Lucy, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Munsters etc. I agree it is very comforting.

 

[MakUSA]

My favorite destruction is watching shows or comedy stand-ups, that makes me feel much better and its helping me not to overthink.

 

[Nutmeg]

Old black and white tv shows from the 50’s and 60’s. It was a simpler time back then and the nostalgia of it has a calming effect on me.

Also…I daydream. A lot. Probably too much. But it is a comfort zone for me.

Oh I LOVE these!
Whenever I feel sad I put Breakfast at Tiffany's on. I find it really soothing. I also love Some Like it Hot, and The Apartment.