How to Distract Yourself From Anxiety

Author: Stanley Clark

Anxiety is a common human emotion experienced by everyone. People sometimes feel somewhat worried about a future event or outcome, for example.

Past research indicates that at least half of people with bipolar disorders (BD) will also develop an anxiety disorder (AD) during their lifetimes.

The good news is you can take steps to utilize distraction to avert anxiety. For example, home-based online hobbies can provide sports updates. Sports news can keep you preoccupied with an enjoyable pastime.

You may also stay distracted using various other activities to thwart anxious feelings.

Try Yoga or Meditation

Yoga may provide health benefits, including lower stress levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. Such benefits may also help achieve serenity among people with bipolar disorders.

Besides yoga poses for anxiety, you may also incorporate meditation or relaxation into your yoga sessions. Meditation may help individuals become more mindful and stay in the present moment.

When you are distracted from anxious thoughts, you can manage anxiety due to challenging situations.

Quality Time With Pets

An online survey conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Cohen Research Group showed that nearly three-quarters of participants reported improved mental health through pet ownership.

Regular cuddling, playing, or walking with pets may provide various health benefits.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the potential benefits include lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels and mental health benefits.

Spending quality time with companion pets may also help reduce stress and anxiety levels, which may benefit people with BD. You can focus on spending quality time with your pet, which may help avoid anxious thoughts.

Writing or Journaling

These activities allow bipolar people to share their thoughts. Various methods include writing down random thoughts or maintaining a daily journal.

One practical idea is to keep a notebook or mobile device with you so you can jot down what’s on your mind regardless of where you are.

Journaling and writing may provide various mental health benefits. For example, journaling can help control your emotions and understand your thoughts and feelings better.

Staying preoccupied with maintaining a diary or journal may thus help reduce anxiety.

When making a journal entry, it’s critical to focus on ideas rather than correct grammar and punctuation. Focus on expressing your thoughts and feelings.

Use Positive Thinking and Visualization

It would be best if you tried to think positive thoughts 100% of the time.

Throughout the day, you can focus on happy thoughts. Right before sleeping at night, think about exciting events or activities planned for the next day.

People have been conducting visualization or imagery therapies for centuries. The more specific your images are, the more likely they can help with various conditions, such as anxiety disorders.

Visualization often includes a program with specific goals and objectives. For example, you can set a goal and then work towards it. Staying engaged in this manner may help focus your attention on such goals rather than anxious thoughts.

Take a Power Nap or Lie Down

Sleep disorders are often connected to anxiety. For example, excess worry and fear may affect your ability to fall asleep and get a good night’s sleep, creating a vicious cycle.

Besides getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, you can also take short naps when you feel stressed or anxious during the day or lie down for a while.

No specific guidelines exist for how much relaxation a person needs. However, relaxing activities, such as lying down for a while, may help reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood.

On the other hand, not getting adequate rest may increase anxiety. When possible, take time to relax if you experience low energy levels or high stress levels during the day.