10 Surprising Ways to Deal with Anxiety

Driving the car:

• Fact: According to a study published in the journal "Accident Analysis & Prevention," focused attention on the road while driving can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
• Rewritten: Operating a vehicle demands your full attention on the road, reducing space for anxious thoughts in your mind.

Preparing a complex dish:

• Fact: Research from the Journal of Positive Psychology suggests that engaging in creative activities like cooking can serve as a distraction from negative thoughts and promote mental well-being.
• Rewritten: Crafting intricate dishes serves as a constructive outlet to clear your mind and divert attention from distressing thoughts.

Counting the change in your pocket:

• Fact: A study published in the Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy found that engaging in simple tasks like counting coins can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety during panic attacks.
• Rewritten: The act of counting change can provide a calming effect during panic attacks, offering a brief distraction and reducing anxiety.

Drinking something very cold or hot:

• Fact: According to research published in the journal "Psychological Science," exposure to extreme temperatures can disrupt the body's stress response and reduce feelings of anxiety.
• Rewritten: Consuming beverages of extreme temperatures can serve as a distraction from anxiety, disrupting stress responses in the body.

Doing inverted yoga poses:

• Fact: A study published in the "International Journal of Yoga Therapy" suggests that inverted yoga poses like shoulderstand or headstand can alter perspective and positively impact mental well-being.
• Rewritten: Practicing inverted yoga poses offers a unique perspective and may enhance mental clarity and well-being.

Holding a frozen orange in your hands:

• Fact: Psychologists often recommend sensory grounding techniques like holding cold objects to help manage anxiety symptoms by redirecting focus and slowing heart rate.
• Rewritten: The sensation of holding a frozen orange promotes sensory grounding, redirecting focus and calming the mind amidst anxious thoughts.

Taking care of indoor plants:

• Fact: Research published in the "Journal of Physiological Anthropology" suggests that interacting with indoor plants can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
• Rewritten: Tending to indoor plants fosters a sense of calm and well-being, providing a distraction from worries and stressors.

Counting in random or reverse order:

• Fact: Cognitive behavioral therapy often utilizes techniques like counting in random or reverse order to redirect focus and manage anxiety symptoms effectively.
• Rewritten: Counting in non-sequential or reverse order engages cognitive processes, serving as a helpful distraction and aiding in anxiety management.

Playing The Sims or another similar game:

• Fact: Gaming has been shown in various studies to provide an immersive and distracting experience, offering temporary relief from anxiety and stress.
• Rewritten: Immersing yourself in simulation games like The Sims offers a temporary escape and sense of control, providing relief from anxiety.

Solving puzzles:

• Fact: Research published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" suggests that engaging in puzzle-solving activities can improve cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Rewritten: Solving puzzles engages cognitive faculties and promotes mental acuity, offering a constructive outlet and boosting self-confidence amidst challenging thoughts.