distractions

  1. Write a poem.
  2. Listen to soothing or music.
  3. Talk with somebody close to you.
  4. Write a story.
  5. Pray.
  6. Call a friend.
  7. Snap your wrist with a rubber band.
  8. Sew.
  9. Take a nap.
  10. Leave the room or the house.
  11. Read a good book.
  12. Work in the garden.
  13. Do arts and crafts.
  14. Watch television.
  15. Cook a meal.
  16. Call a hotline or support group, or post on a message board.
  17. Use washable, non-toxic markers to “cut” your skin.
  18. Let yourself cry.
  19. Dance.
  20. Draw.
  21. Excercise or work out in some way.
  22. Get a massage.
  23. Hug someone.
  24. Help someone.
  25. Paint something.
  26. Play a musical instrument.
  27. Write a letter to the person or problem that is upsetting you, but don’t mail it.
  28. Run around the block.
  29. Scream at the top of your lungs.
  30. See a friend.
  31. Do some sculpting.
  32. Go shopping.
  33. Shout.
  34. Sing.
  35. Go skating.
  36. Take a bath.
  37. Take a sauna.
  38. Throw things (such as icecubes or your pillow, NOT something like glass).
  39. Vent about what you are upset about.
  40. Take a walk.
  41. Watch a movie.
  42. Go window shopping.
  43. Do yoga.
  44. Hit a punching bag.
  45. Clean your room or the house.
  46. Cuddle with someone.
  47. Go cycling.
  48. Diving.
  49. Go for a drive.
  50. Play a game or color in a coloring book.
  51. Go swimming.
  52. Play the piano.
  53. Shred a phonebook or a newspaper into a thousand pieces.
  54. Write a song.
  55. Fighting.
  56. Make or work on a website.
  57. Take a long shower.
  58. Meditate.