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Ways Distract Yourself from Anxiety
There are so many tips on how to distract yourself from anxiety on the internet.
The problem is that they’re pretty much all the same.
Do yoga. Eat healthily. Breathing exercises. Lather, rinse, repeat.
While these are great ideas, trying to fight anxiety isn’t black and white.
What works one time may not work the next.
That’s why anxiety is such a complicated mental illness to beat.
Throughout my entire life, I’ve had anxiety.
It’s been difficult, and it’s been exhausting.
But throughout my life, I’ve also learned that these 10 weird coping mechanisms help calm my anxiety almost instantly.
Top Activities to Distract Yourself from Anxiety
1. CRYSTALS
When used with intention, crystals have countless healing properties that can help anxiety.
Like everything on earth, crystals carry a unique vibration that can be wonderfully calming, grounding, and healing.
Best crystals for anxiety:
More crystals for anxiety:
2. BALANCE LOWER CHAKRAS
Charkas are essentially a network of seven major energy centers arranged vertically along the core of your body.
(There are multiple different systems of Chakras, but I personally use the Western Seven Chakra System.)
You can learn more about chakras in this enlightening book.
While having all chakras balanced and aligned is beneficial for anxiety, I find the lower chakras to be vital.
The three lowest chakras are the root, the sacral, and the solar plexus chakras.
These chakras are considered your physical chakras, and they are responsible for your self-image and physical and emotional identity.
Signs of an Imbalanced Root Chakra:
- Lack of Motivation
- Feeling Disconnected
- Anger and Short Temper
- Impatience
- Feeling Stuck
- Greediness
How to Balance Root Chakra:
⭐ Listen to Meditation Music: 256 Hz
⭐ Speak Positive Affirmations: I am…
⭐ Diffuse Essential Oils: Frankincense, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Myrrh
⭐ Use Crystals: Smoky Quartz, Hematite, Red Jasper,
⭐ Wear Colors: Red
⭐ Eat Foods: Red Potatoes, Strawberries, Cherries, Tomatoes
Signs of an Imbalanced Sacral Chakra:
- Depression
- Low Self-Esteem and Insecurity
- Fear
- Jealousy
- Insecurity
- Detachment
How to Balance Sacral Chakra:
⭐ Listen to Meditation Music: 288 Hz
⭐ Speak Positive Affirmations: I feel…
⭐ Diffuse Essential Oils: Orange, Neroli, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
⭐ Use Crystals: Orange Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Citrine
⭐ Wear Colors: Orange
⭐ Eat Foods: Oranges, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Coconuts
Signs of an Imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low Self-Esteem
- Codependency
- Lack of Self-Control
- Inability to Set or Maintain Boundaries
- Addiction
How to Balance Solar Plexus Chakra:
⭐ Listen to Meditation Music: 320 Hz
⭐ Speak Positive Affirmations: I do…
⭐ Diffuse Essential Oils: Juniper, Geranium, Lemon, Ginger,
⭐ Use Crystals: Yellow Jasper, Lemon Quartz, Tiger’s Eye
⭐ Wear Colors: Yellow
⭐ Eat Foods: Lemons, Corn, Yellow Squash, Pineapple, Bananas
If you struggle with social anxiety, unblocking the throat chakra is vital.
3. DO A PUZZLE
Doing puzzles takes a lot of concentration, and you go through a lot of trial and error in the process.
But the repetitive nature is very soothing for an anxiety-filled mind.
The most rewarding way to do a puzzle is to not look at the picture on the box.
I also find that doing a puzzle this way is the best way to distract anxiety.
If you’re just starting out at the whole puzzle thing, you can get a bunch of different puzzles at the Dollar Tree.
They’re very inexpensive (only $1!), so you can’t go wrong.
4. MAKE A FRIENDSHIP BRACELET
Hand-eye coordination is a great way to take you out of your head.
This is why I love making friendship bracelets. I’ve been making them since I was probably 12 years old.
The process of repeatedly tying knots is so relaxing.
The best part is yes, you can make them and give them to your friends.
Any time you see them wearing it, you’ll recognize those same feelings you had when you were making them.
Pro-Tip: I’ve used this friendship bracelet making kit for at least a decade now.
Whenever I run out of string, I buy some Tinsky floss, because they’re inexpensive, high quality, and offer so many unique colors.
5. DO YOUR MAKEUP
I used to never wear makeup. Maybe a little mascara here and there.
But now doing my makeup is so relaxing.
I’ll spend 30 minutes doing various eyeshadow looks and pairing it with a matching lipstick.
My favorite brands are e.l.f. Cosmetics, Pacifica, and ColourPop.
They’re all cruelty-free with lots of vegan options.
If you don’t wear makeup, try doing your hair a different way or create unique outfits from your closest.
Get creative, and have fun!
6. PLAY AN INSTRUMENT
You don’t have to be Mozart in order to help distract yourself from anxiety.
Playing any instrument helps calms our nerves, because our hands and fingers play a repetition of notes.
I’ve played the keyboard for years, and I write my own songs.
I bought a ukulele a couple of years ago. They’re such happy instruments.
My boyfriend is a music producer, so I even make my own music that way.
You can find some of our music on our free meditation YouTube channel, Peaceful Awakening Meditations.
7. PICTURES OF BABY ANIMALS
There’s one thing I think we can all agree on.
Baby animals are so freaking cute.
Look at pictures. Look at videos.
See how many different ways you can spell the word awwww.
Just try your hardest to not cuddle the screen.
8. BLAST DISNEY MUSIC
Disney songs have saved my butt so many times when I’m on the verge of a panic attack.
Out of any music in the world, it helps my anxiety almost instantly.
You can find them quickly on Pandora or YouTube.
I even have all the Disney’s Greatest Hits CDs.
I’ve probably listened to them the most out of any other CD I own – besides Avril Lavigne’s Let Go.
More music recommendations:
9. SIT IN THE GRASS
Let nature soak up your stress.
Sit in the grass under a tree in the shade.
Feel how the grass blades feel on your fingertips.
Notice how the air feels on your skin.
Just be one with Mother Earth.
She is so beautiful, and she can make you feel whole again.
10. CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM
I used to be a very messy person.
But now I feel much better in a more organized and clean environment.
I find a lot of joy when I’m cleaning my bathroom.
I’ll blast some music, dance a little, and watch my anxiety dissipate.
I usually try to take at least one day out of the month and do a complete top to bottom clean of my bathroom.
Try using a more natural cleaner that is free from most toxins.
You’re less likely to get a headache from using it.
Related anxiety post:
BONUS: ACCEPT IT
As weird and as hard as it sounds, don’t push your anxiety away.
Try your best to embrace it in the moment.
Tell yourself, yes I have anxiety, but I’ve made it through it every time before this.
And I will overcome it again.
More anxiety affirmations:
- 85 Calming Affirmations for Relieving Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- 50 Positive Affirmations for Overcoming Social Anxiety
Try Therapy Instead
Instead of trying to push your anxiety away, why not try therapy instead?
Did you know that there is affordable online therapy?
Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.
Your therapy toolbox includes:
- Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
- 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
- Activity plan, journal, and tests
- Yoga and meditation videos
What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
This means you never need to worry before getting help.
Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.
Distract Yourself from Anxiety
While it’s so important to get to the root of your anxiety, it’s vital to find ways to distract yourself from anxiety when times are tough.
Distracting yourself might be the only way to stop an oncoming panic attack.
What ways do you distract yourself from anxiety? Tell us in the comments below!
More anxiety posts:
- 6 Apps for Relieving Anxiety and Improving Mindfulness
- 5 Simple Ideas to Help You Practice Being More Mindful
- 4 Side Effects of Anxiety We Like to Keep Secret
10 Activities to Distract Yourself from Anxiety
Truly helpful! Thanks!
I have anxiety and I have made my self do crochet or needlepoint to keep my mind occupied. I have learned that you have to face our problems, but moving something does help. I like your ideas Thanks for letting me share.
Yes, I totally agree!
Love your “out of the box” thinking! It’s refreshing to see some new ideas. 😊 – Ali
Thanks Ali!
I love this! Finally someone who doesn’t repeat the same tips all over again.
I so agree about the Disney music, it really brings me back to my childhood.
Thank you!
The puzzle one is a great one! So funny, I’ve actually described it as “soothing” myself :).
Yes! Puzzles are amazing!
I love doing puzzles! playing pac man on my phone. I love listening to seagulls and ocean waves!!
Awesome!