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How do you distract yourself from anxious thoughts?


20 years ago 0 10 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Distraction helps me & I used square breathing in the beginning just to get my mind off the attacks. But, what helps me most is IF I am able to just kind of go with the attack......I'm usually able now to say to myself "oh, there's that feeling...oh, well" and just go on with what I am doing. Of course, I am not always successful, but more often than not these days. AND, I still come here, as you can see, and try to practice all the things I am learning to make my life better in general. There is no doubt in my mind that my overall well-being has a lot to do with the reduced # of attacks I have had. So, I'm working on diet, exercise, relaxation techniques, and allowing myself to enjoy the things in life that I use to feel guilty for!!! Good luck. The effort is worth it, so don't give up!!
20 years ago 0 38 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello Bob, Something that I've been trying is counting backwards from 100 in 3's!!!! I'm useless with numbers anyway, but this seems to make me concentrate on something else!!
21 years ago 0 53 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Distraction is a great first step. If I was sitting in bed having those thoughts I would just jump up and start getting ready for the day, maybe clean, read, put on some music that I love to sing with, read to my kids, plan the menu for the week, make a big breakfast etc... Of course these are what distract me you will find your own way. But pretty soon, after I have been doing something for awhile, I will notice "Hey, my heart isn't pounding out of my chest anymore and my dizzyness is gone." I only note the change for a moment because, in my case, if I dwell for too long on the fact that I feel better I start to have anxiety again (I am so weird).If I'm careful and play my cards right I am anxiety free for days.(okay, maybe sometimes it is just for hours but the point is that it is gone for a time and I am happy) Anyway, I hope you find what works for you. Peace, Nina5
21 years ago 0 274 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
As you go further through this Panic Program, you will learn that we often use Avoidance Stratagies to cope at first when facing our fears. I remember five points; talking or being with a safe person; taking medications; stop thinking about physical symptoms; reading, watching tv, listening to music, breathing on a 1, 2, 3 ,4 in hold out hold rythym; etc.; but when you get a little further into facing your fears, you can slowly let go of these distraction methods and just feel the feelings without letting them bother you too much. You can feel proud to go through them and still be o.k. At least that's what I got out of it. So distraction can help at first; but eventually the goal is to face our fears with an optimistic attitude, and not let physical symptoms stop us or hold us in their grip. Then we will feel more powerful and self-confident and get over them. Hope this helps...
21 years ago 0 239 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Bob, I've begun saying this to myself "ok, this is happening now, and when it's over the world will still be turning." I think that while I'm concerntraiting on my breathing. Works for me most of the time :)
21 years ago 0 27 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Quick question: how do you distract yourself from anxious thoughts? This morning I woke up feeling ok...and as I lay in bed, the anxious thoughts started coming. I recognized them for what they were, but I could immediately feel my stomach tighten, my face flush, etc. Breathing helped a bit, but it didn't take long and I was pretty stressed. I'd like to hear what tips/tricks you use when you first recognize the onset of anxious thoughts...

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