Distract yourself from yourself and relax with these calming activities.
Sections
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Physical Activities
Distract yourself with Mental Exercise
Start a Hobby
Physical Activities
Use your body to settle your mind
Spend some time learning to dance. This website has some great tips to get you started. Affiliate link
How to Learn to Dance: The Beginner’s Guide to Bustin’ a Move
Take up bike riding. There are lots of trails and places to go on a bike. REI is a great resource for bikes and bicycle equipment.Affiliate link
Get a bike and ride it!
Take up hiking or biking. I love this app for finding the right trails. Affiliate link
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running
Try yoga. There are lots of resources for getting started. Here’s one you can try at home. Affiliate link
Yoga for Beginners Poster | 10 Essential Yoga Poses for Mindfulness & Relaxation | Printable Home Workout Guide
Qi Gong is a great way to relax and stay healthy. Affiliate link
The No. 1 QiGong Movement, Breathwork & Meditation course.
Take a vacation. Rick Steves Tours are a great option for your first European vacation. They do all the planning!
Europe Tours & Vacation Packages — Rick Steves' Europe
Take a nature hike. I love the AllTrails app for finding local trails. Affiliate link
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running
Distract yourself with Mental Exercise
Use your mind to move your thoughts
Listen to soothing music. Choose your favorite music source and ask for something soothing.
Soothing Relaxation
If you need a little guidance for your journaling practice, this book can help. Affiliate link
Create Your Own Calm: A Journal for Quieting Anxiety
Write down your thoughts. Take your time. Sooth your soul. Affiliate link
Handmade Leather Journal Notebook
Anyone can learn the drawing practice of Zentangle, a way to focus your mind. This book can help you get started. Affiliate link
One Zentangle a Day by Beckah Krahula
Try listening to classical music. Here’s a collection designed for relaxation. Affiliate link
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
Put a poster on your wall to remind yourself. Affiliate link
Be Kind To Your Mind Poster
Just enough activity in this book to distract your cumbersome thoughts. Affiliate link
Calm Color by Numbers
Sometimes I can get my mind off things by playing a silly video game. This one has soothing music and can calm the soul. Available on iOS and Android
CATS & SOUP - iOS/Android Gameplay
Try working some jig saw puzzles. That will get your mind out of the fuddle.
Better on a Bike Jigsaw Puzzle
Maybe try to write your first novel. Here is a useful guide for beginners.
How to Write a Novel Step-by-Step: A Proven Roadmap
Learn a new language for free. Duolingo is a great place to start. Over 40 languages to choose from. Affiliate link
Duolingo - Language Lessons
Start a Hobby
Try something new and discover a new way of thinking.
A great tutorial on how to use art to reduce stress.
Let It Go! Release Stress with Expressive Abstract Art
Music can be a wonderful stress reliever. This website offers great tips on how to learn to play an instrument.
Tips for Anyone Who Wants to Learn to Play an Instrument
A hobby like scrapbooking can take your mind off your troubles. Affiliate link
The Ultimate Practical Guide to Scrapbooking
Listening to books is a good stress reliever. You can try this one on gardening indoors in small spaces because gardening is a good stress reliever, too.
Indoor Vegetable Gardening For Small Spaces
Learn to crochet and you will learn to relax. Affiliate link
Learn to crochet with The Woobles
Baking and cooking are often good stress relievers. Maybe start baking bread. Affiliate link
30 Breads to Bake Before You Die - by Allyson Reedy
Take up abstract painting. It is a great way to relax without worrying about rules. This video is a great start for beginners.
Basics of Abstract Painting Guide
Try learning calligraphy. It will take your mind off your troubles. Affiliate link
Calligraphy Books for Beginners
Learning to crochet is a wonderful way to spend your free time. Affiliate link
Beginners Scarf Crochet Kit
Anyone can do art. Use this book to help you get started. Affiliate link
Art for Self-Care : Create Powerful, Healing Art by Listening to Your Inner Voice by Jessica Swift (2023, Trade Paperback) for sale online | eBay
