Feeling anxious, please tell me something calming if you can

[Limeandbasil90]

I’m just looking for a bit of distraction.

Thanks :)

Colouring is nice when you’re stressed. Or sometimes I concentrate on what I’d do if I won the lottery. I choose the house I’d buy and how I’d decorate it.
Also reading something frivolous. Like a romance or short story.

https://www.youtube.com/live/ze3f-L0IRMk?si=6i9ZuifYY3tVsL8F

It's a medieval kitchen 🙂

I tell myself that my brain is just trying to protect me and has maybe been a bit too keen.

I remind myself that anxious thoughts are just thoughts they are not real. I sometimes have to repeat that to myself.

I watch something silly on TV. Old episode of friends. Or stand up comedy.

If I'm worried that the anxiety is taking over I try to complete a n "automatic thought record" in my head.

It was a technique I used to do on paper when I was having counselling. Basically allocate percentages to my different feelings. Write down the things I'm worried about. Then think realistically about the evidence I have to support this.

I do sometimes have to tell myself "I can't do anything about this now so worrying is a waste of time"

Hope you are feeling less anxious soon op. It's a rotten feeling

Have you got some nice pictures on your phone to look at? I was on a crowded hot train last week and I could feel the anxiety rising so I started looking through photos of our last family holiday. It really worked for me.

Alternatively can you get outside and listen to the birds and feel some sun on your face? Stroke the grass! I also do that. Hope you feel better soon.

Merlin bird app. Then open a window and see how many birds it can recognise.

Start to keep a log / journal if you fancy. It can be really mindful just listening to the birds.

It's quite nice to take a walk, stops the brain whirling a bit. Deep breath. I'm lucky to live near a wildlife centre and their antics amuse me.

Thank you all for being kind. I really appreciate all your suggestions

When I'm anxious about a specific situation, I always tell myself "this time tomorrow/next week it'll be over" or variations on that. It's good to have self soothing mantras and tactics, everyone needs them in life. I have a "fidget ring" and find that soothing.

I've learned that some people and some occasions need "calm", others need "busy your mind with something else" - it's harder to be actively anxious while concentrating on organising your photos, Duolingo, discussing physics or whatever tricky concept floats your boat with AI, mentally renovating houses on Rightmove etc. I fall more frequently into the later category which works well for shorter term feeling of anxiety. I realise it's fairly screen based but it helps with focus. But then you do also need actual relaxation in between - walks, gardening, books etc.
We get it op xx

Walks in nature, or just being outside in nature can be calming. Use all your senses that you can.
Check what you can see, hear, smell and touch and really register them.
Walking or any exercise, can help burn off that anxious “energy”.

100% agree with getting outside and going for a walk with concentrate oneverything around you. Notice how your feet are connected to the ground with each step.
Most importantly get off social media!