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lately i’ve been having trouble working out and staying focused/chill without getting overwhelmed by random anxious thoughts about whatever thing i’m worrying about
i recently found a nice solution: jeopardy! there are a few free episodes on youtube (and if you dig around enough you can find random pirated ones that were uploaded and will probably quickly be taken down) and there’s always episodes on demand if you have tv available
you don’t have to pay attention to every second but the fast question pace keeps my mind busy while i walk or do cardio etc
even if youre not anxious, i still feel like it’s a very good show for background noise. if only it were easier to access/stream episodes 🥲
Nov 23, 2024
Related Recs
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recommend this just like, in general bc although it’s not the most meaningful use of my time it’s SO fun. have done this before mid-post meltdown/panic attack and my god does it do a good job at 1) distracting you, and 2) making your nervous system realise you’re actually not about to be swallowed by a whale.
my go to is the Upstairs Neighbours podcast (!!!) and games like Super Mario 3D World, Zelda Breath of the Wild, etc.
(if you’re not a video game person the bottom line of this is: doing multiple things that you enjoy so you don’t have space in your brain to spiral and instead realise that there are still things left to make you happy despite whatever’s making you anxious. good luck!!)
Feb 7, 2025
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not sure what anxiety looks like for you specifically so your mileage may vary…
mental approaches:
- ask a friend or professional peer to give you a pep talk (verbalizing feelings helps make them smaller!)
- make a list of past projects you are proud of (or past challenges you’ve overcome)
- remind yourself 1) you’re allowed to not know everything & even to make mistakes 2) whatever you don’t know you can probably figure out
- journal to brain dump the anxious thoughts & move forward (you’ll get tired of yourself)
- choose a mantra for your project that centers you & counteracts the negative voices
somatic approaches:
- practice noticing when your body feels anxious & where it is in your body
- do a body scan to further help you notice tension & to ground i.e. get out of your head & back into your body
- go outside (touch grass)
- take breaks to do something unrelated (give your brain a break)
- rest & food: human necessities that will help you regulate your emotions
- stretch/exercise
- laugh and/or cry
- cold shower or ice pack to reset your nervous system
i’m so shit at putting these into practice but when i do, it really helps
Jul 31, 2024
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that’s such a horrible place to be stuck in… if you’re needing an analog diversion, maybe try a low effort craft? collaging has been a favorite of mine cuz i can turn off my verbal brain but it’s still stimulating enough to keep me engaged. i’ve also really enjoyed cozy/casual games on my switch cuz they’re distracting but not too hard either
nothing gets me out of a funk better than talking to another human though... maybe facetime a friend to talk about nothing for a bit
stretching while watching a show or listening to a podcast… wakes the body up and keeps the scary thoughts at bay
Mar 17, 2024
Top Recs from @thegameoflove
it’s stupid and perfect and lowkey one of the greatest movies of all time. it’s fun !! it’s california! we’re surfing and skydiving and robbing banks! what more can you ask for!!
Feb 22, 2025
bike with friends, invent something new, grow flowers, enjoy some reeses pieces, try not to get captured by the government.. stuff like that!
Sep 9, 2024
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i have 9 out right now and in no world am i finishing all 9 of them (including a 500 page oral history of the soviet union and like a 550 page one about the manson murders). but i really love checking books out, really satisfies some sort of innate consumer impulse in me. and i love having books around me.
Nov 21, 2024