Anxiety. It fills the mind seemingly past it's limit with deadlines, worries, mistakes, and irrational fears. It can change a person's mood in seconds. It can make people distant for a reason that cannot be seen. Anxiety can affect school, work, sleep, social interaction, and really everything else negatively if not taken care of in the correct way. I am obviously not a doctor or a psychologist, but I have a lot of experience with my own anxiety. Here are some of the activities I have found that work for me to calm my anxiety for at least a short period:
(If you are experiencing panic attacks or your anxiety is affecting your every day life, I would highly suggest you see a normal physician and/or a mental health professional.)
1. Write, draw, or do something on paper
If you are feeling overwhelmed, creating any sort of art on paper can be a lovely and fun distraction. Plus, you will feel accomplished when you are finished. It really does not matter if you are good at what you are doing. It will make you focus on the task at hand, rather than all of the things your mind is bombarding you with.
2. Sing
Turn on your favorite music, turn it up, and just jam out. Music has been proven to be beneficial to your mental health anyway along with being a distraction. Don't be ashamed to just sing at the top of your lungs. It sounds silly, and to be honest, it kind of is, but it will make you laugh and have a great time.
3. Make a list
I LOVE lists. It is the weirdest activity to enjoy, but making a list makes me feel so much more organized. Plus, you get to see all of the things you have gotten done, and it is easier to prioritize and harder to procrastinate.
4. Pet an animal
If you have pets, cuddle and play with them. They will love it, and I can guarantee that you will feel a ton less stressed afterward. If you don't have pets, go to a friend or family member's house that does. Then, you have the opportunity to pet an animal and hang out with a cool person.
5. Regular exercise
Yeah. I know. Getting into a routine can be difficult, and sometimes it feels like it would be easier to just wallow in this emotional rollercoaster, but trust me, a good work out can make you feel like a new person. It's distracting, it makes you feel good about yourself, you will feel better physically, and your brain will release endorphins so you will feel better emotionally. It's not worth it to suffer.
6. Watch your favorite TV show
This is mostly for when your mind is exhausted, and it feels like you just cannot possibly do anything at the moment. I am not just saying to sit around and do this all day. (That would be an entirely new problem.) However, it is nice to escape into something you enjoy. Also, if you like to read, reading a fascinating book could work the same way.
7. Focus on your breathing
Unless this is triggering for you, focus only on your breathing. Breathe slowly and calmly. Put all of your energy toward it, and try to block out your surroundings. It will distract you from a triggering situation, and it may help control an oncoming panic attack.
These are just a few techniques that have worked for me, but there are so many more. It is important that you find what helps you because everyone reacts to stress and anxiety in different ways, and certain people are triggered by certain situations.
