like my study list, this is made for me but i am more than happy for people to use it as they wish :) basically, it's just a giant list of positive activities to do, many of which are good for anxiety relief and general wellbeing. some of them are obvious, others not so much. some are distractions from negative thoughts, others are relaxations.. you get the drift!

  • breathe - in through the nose, out through the mouth
  • tapping
  • write a list of every sound you hear in a day
  • read a book, magazine or newspaper
  • go for a light walk around your neighbourhood
  • sketch aimlessly
  • play with a pet/animal that is not dangerous
  • write about anything and everything that comes to mind
  • try and come up with sentences that you think no one has EVER said before
  • do some stretches
  • do yoga - if you're not sure how, look up some basic moves online/in a book, or enrol in a class (like i am just about to!)
  • meditate! i really recommend guided meditation apps such as calm and headspace. an app called mindshift also has some meditations on it, as well as anxiety management tips
  • write a to-do list, to put all your pending tasks into perspective
  • lie down and listen to a podcast (my personal favourites are hamish & andy, matt & alex and ear biscuits)
  • write a letter to somebody! nobody seems to get many letters these days, so pick someone special and write away; they will no doubt be really excited to receive a letter from you
  • tidy your room - you'd be surprised how much better it makes you feel
  • organise a games night with friends - ask them to bring their favourite board games and be ready for some tough competition
  • simply kick back and watch tv or a movie
  • listen to some uplifting music
  • cook some comfort food - it could be a childhood favourite meal, or a decadent dessert.. all depends on what you like
  • drink a hot drink
  • go outside and get some fresh air - even try meditating outside
  • have a nice long shower or bath, wash your face and hair, then change into your comfiest clothes
  • write down everything that is stressing you out... then, either tear it violently into tiny shreds or burn it! (safely of course) this physical destruction of your worries can actually adjust your mind into letting go
  • lie down on the ground outside, whether it's night or day, and stare up at the beautiful sky
  • light candles in your bedroom and enjoy the ambience (be careful not to leave them unattended)
  • light some incense in a calming scent
  • write down every good thing that happened today
  • take a 20 minute nap
  • eat some chocolate - it releases endorphins and will make you feel happier
  • count backwards to give you something to focus on (try from 10, then repeat)
  • massage the area between the thumb and index finger - it's a form of acupressure known to be calming
  • run your wrists under cold water to reduce your body temperature
  • look out the window and really focus on everything in your sight
  • try running on the spot for a little bit to get endorphins flowing
  • do a crossword (a favourite of mine)
  • put a little bit of lavender oil on your hand and gently breathe it in
  • find something that makes you laugh; a family member or friend, a youtube video, tv show.. anything!
  • write a list of everything you are good at - even if they are the smallest things, like making tea or waking up without an alarm for example... write down anything!
mar 4 2014 ∞
mar 13 2014 +