Weekly Prompt #2: What helps shift your mind from anxious thoughts?
Hello everyone, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed What worries tend to dominate your thoughts? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: What helps shift your mind from anxious thoughts?
Anxiety can be awful and difficult to process but if there is anything that helps you shift your mind from anxious thoughts, what are they?
Let's get started and share your thoughts with us.
Also, you can join the Anxiety Group Support Chat every Monday and Tuesday.
What shifts my mind from being anxious is either listening to music or drawing something out
@PhoenixButterfly97 That is great phoenix. Music and drawing peacefully occupy your thoughts. Finding outlets that calm your mind is insightful.
This is a really good prompt question. For me personally, it helps when I pause and examine the anxious thoughts and then label them as just anxious thoughts. Then I watch some funny videos or think of something random to research because I always enjoy learning something new
@SirenOfSerenity Thank you Siren. Labeling thoughts "anxious thoughts" and then exploring new outlets cultivate calm. I think anxiety clouds but insights pierce through. Growing courage soothes through outlets feeling wholly your own. Understanding lessens overwhelm from within.
It depends on why I'm feeling anxious, although usually talking to my person helps, of if she's not there and I can't even text her just imagining she's there. I also bring noise cancelling heaphones to loud places so it's a little easier. If I'm getting unreasonable nighttime fears like weird creature things in my house that aren't ever going to be there, I just have to remind myself that I am safe, and that the feeling should pass by morning
also staring at a wall or carpet until i see weird shapes
I also imagine my person is there. It really does help!
@LonleyCheese The strategies you have in place seems very helpful for managing anxiety. Although worries can feel overwhelming at the moment, It is great that you have the insight and strength to work through them. Keep taking your small steps
@ASilentObserver
Hey, ASO,
What helps shift your mind from anxious thoughts? My psychiatric meds help, and watching something mindless on my laptop for about an hour helps.
Anxiety can be awful and difficult to process but if there is anything that helps you shift your mind from anxious thoughts, what are they? Praying and meditating also helps although lately, with my car problems, moving and starting grad school, I have done less planned types of skills to help me through anxiety. Once I move, I plan to start to meditate again on a schedule, and work out on a schedule. I'm looking forward to it.
@purpleTree4652 It sounds like establishing a calming routine will be so helpful for you. I can understand why distractions and unwinding time have been a lifeline. Please do share any other ways you've discovered to ease anxiety. Keep taking your small steps. You got this.
What helps shift your mind from anxious thoughts?
I would often play a casual idle or incremental game that'll help distract myself away from these thoughts I have. Listening to music is another thing. I've also been writing on my journal as a way to let out my feelings, as well as writing down gratitudes each day, which has definitely helped me.
@compassionateOak202 I'm glad to see you using several coping strategies. Finding creative outlets for difficult emotions is so helpful. Your self-care is important, especially during difficult times.
@ASilentObserver
What helps shift your mind from anxious thoughts?....It depends on the Level of anxious thoughts. But being near my loved ones/my pet, getting out into a different environment that I enjoy, or in the Sunshine for a walk. Or simply talking to someone else who understands.
@PoliteOcean That is great Ocean.It sounds like being around nature, loved ones, and familiar environments helps relieve some anxiety for you.
Music helps me
@pharmmatt I am glad you find music helpful matt. it is great. Are there any other outlets that help you as well?
Thanks everyone for sharing your responses! Reading them has been helpful for me.
My top answer would definitely be meditation. I use the Headspace app, and it helps slow my brain down enough to where I can dissect and sort through the thoughts to see if they are rational or helpful. Journaling by hand on paper also has this effect. When I need comfort, I watch my friend livestream or watch one of his videos. When I want to do something fun to escape, I’ll play video games myself, or lately I’ve been watching a lot of movies. Reading, arts, and crafts are some other things I’ll occasionally do to distract myself.
@masterekat I'm glad to hear you are taking such good care of yourself. It sounds like you have developed some wonderful coping strategies and self-care practices.
@ASilentObserver
What helps with anxious thoughts.
Browsing 7 cups. Here I then come across something that reminds me of where I'm going and or why. Or gives me hope or inspiration.
Reminding myself that it will end, I just need to make it though. In my experience, trying to stop anxious thoughts just increases the anxiety. I'm better off acknowledging that I'm anxious and accepting that it will go away when it is ready.
Writing it out or talking it through with someone can also really help.
A big slow breath.
Squeezing my hands into fists and then stretching them out as far as I can.
A rant on a walk.
@Clio9876 I hear you acknowledging the anxiety and seeing that its persistence is out of your control at the moment. It sounds like finding ways to cope in a gentle and validating way can help you feel a small sense of mastery over the experience. Remembering that this anxiety is temporary and will pass, even if the passing seems slow. You are not alone in this.
I like writing or drawing how I feel.
Sometimes talking to people about it helps too
@unachicamas04 It sounds like expressing those emotions through creative avenues is helpful for gaining perspective and relief. I am glad these steps helping you. Keep taking your small steps