Easy Ways to Distract Your Stressed and Anxious Mind

Sometimes the best thing you can do when you are stressed and overwhelmed is to just 
distract yourself. Here are some super simple ways you can distract your mind when 
you are anxious and stressed.


Find Outdoor Activities You Enjoy

Spending time outside in nature doing activities you enjoy is such a great way to distract 
your mind from everything causing you stress. Nature has a calming effect on the mind 
and body. Spending time in nature, whether it's a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, 
or simply sitting by a beach or a river, can help distract your mind from stress and 
provide a sense of peace and tranquility.

The next time you are overwhelmed in your life, head outside to check out the sights, 
walk by a park or the beach, go for a hike, or do some forest bathing. 


Do a Puzzle 

If you want to stay indoors and participate in a simple activity, puzzles are perfect. They 
don’t take much brain power like a more difficult board game would require, are 
something you can do on your own or with other people, and are very inexpensive. For 
less than $10, you can get an amazing puzzle that is fun to do and really helps to 
distract your mind from anything bothering you.


Get Out an Adult Coloring Book

If you love creative activities, but aren’t super artistic, then why not grab an adult 
coloring book and some colored pencils? There is no drawing or painting involved here, 
but it turns out just as pretty. There are many adult coloring books to choose from, 
including those specifically designed for stress and anxiety.

Coloring books for adults have been popular for a long time now, so it’s easy to find any 
subject you want. Many of the ones dedicated to mental health are often different 
patterns and designs, but you can get any type of coloring book you want. And don’t 
rule out coloring books for kids; they are still so much fun.


Try a Walk or Yoga

Getting a little exercise is also really good for stress, anxiety, and many other mental or 
emotional health issues. Think about simple physical activities that you actually would 
enjoy and will relax you, instead of forcing yourself to do a workout you don’t enjoy.

Maybe you don’t like running on a treadmill, but you love heading to the nearby park for 
hiking or walking. You can find somewhere to scenic, and take a yoga class if that is 
something you are interested in.


Listen to Your Favorite Music

Listening to your favorite music can be a powerful way to distract your mind from stress. 
Music has the ability to evoke emotions, change your mood, and transport you to a 
different mental space. Create a playlist of your favorite songs or explore new genres 
and artists to discover new sounds that bring joy and relaxation.

Music is such an easy thing to do anywhere you are, whether you are at work, driving, 
at home, going for a walk, doing chores, or just relaxing.


