Healthy Distraction

Friday, April 16, 2021

Here’s how you can put distraction activities into practice. If your mind continues to spiral with unhelpful thoughts, use distraction as an effective tool to knock out negativity. It’s important to note that a distraction activity must command your full attention to effectively reduce anxiety.

Reducing anxiety through activities

Remember when you were a kid and you threw a fit because you wanted the newest toy, and your parents distracted you by involving you in a new activity?

Well, good news. The same idea works for adults, too. It’s easy to do and doesn’t cost as much as a new gaming system for your child, either.

Give it a try. When an activity isn’t working well, reflect on why and how you could make it more attention grabbing in the future. Distraction activities can also help you feel happier, motivated, energized and combat boredom.

Here’s a checklist for healthy distraction activities. Check the ones you like along with adding your own ideas:

1. Browse mindfulness and meditation resources to try

2. Work on personal development through journaling

3. Search for healthy recipes

4. Plan your meals

6. Watch documentaries or comedy

7. Play on a trivia or games app

8. Learn basic yoga poses

9. Learn to play a musical instrument

10. Read a biography about someone who inspires you

11. Rediscover old music you liked as a teenager

12. Take free online nutrition course