Distraction Methods

theresa2008 · Post by **theresa2008** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:57 pm

I'm starting Session 2 tomorrow (just restarted the program after getting up to Session 7 and then quitting). Last night I had a pretty bad panic attack. Looked at the card for session two and followed the six steps (Accept, Permission, Breathe, Inner Dialogue, Distract, and Let Time Pass). I've found that with my anxiety Distraction is critical. If I just sit there and become paralyzed by the anxiety I don't feel any better. So I've found a few activities that help distract my mind. First, I usually put on a movie that makes me laugh: Moonstruck, Elf, or any Simpsons DVD. If that isn't enough to distract me I bust out a coloring book (juvenile, I know, but it helps) or play a game on my Nintendo DS (Brain Age or Tetris). These simple things help get my mind off of scary thoughts. I thought I'd ask you all what you use to distract yourself when you're feeling anxious. Anyone?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:55 am

It's funny you mention Brain Age! When I need to distract myself from any sort of poor mood that's the best game for it. It requires so much concentration, good luck thinking about anything else!

I find I have to get active. Aerobics, a brisk walk, cleaning the house while listening to upbeat music. It's almost like I need to tire myself out. A little trickier at work though.. Thankfully I have an office with a door so sometimes I do arm circles and stretches then do a quick walk around the office to get some water.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 6:09 am

I love Brain Age! I play it every night because it gets my mind distracted and tired so I can sleep easier.

I also find it helps to get active but usually my anxiety happens at night and I don't want to disrupt anybody by walking around or cleaning (which I feel inclined to do when I have a lot of nervous energy).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 17, 2009 10:55 am

Thanks for the posts. I need new Distraction ideas. I often become overwhelmed at work but am not allowed to show my feelings. Often times my tears come out because my feelings are so strong I can no longer hold them in. What usually happens is that I try to dry up my tears as soon as I can then go and put on some makeup to hide my red nose, etc. Plus it distracts me from what I was thinking that got me to that point. Plus I think I am taking a few minutes to fix myself up and helping myself feel better. Then if I can I go back to work and am fine. There have been times when it has been so strong of feelings or the feeling is too big for me to handle I start to cry all over again. It has been a month or so since anything has affected me that way. If you all have anymore ideas for Distraction Methods please let me know. I appreciate it.