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What is your favorite distraction? And why?

LadyZen profile image
40 Replies

Hi everyone,

I've been away for awhile because all seemed well, but then life happened. Now I'm stressed out of my mind and in need of some distraction.

This forum has been a great distraction, but I can't be on here 24/7, so my next favorite distraction has been watching The British Baking Show. I love seeing ordinary people having their dreams of becoming a baker come true.

What is your favorite distraction? And why?

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LadyZen profile image
LadyZen
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40 Replies

I like to read books now. printed. I have developed zero tolerance for the negativity in this world.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to

What are you reading now?

in reply to LadyZen

well they are for my education and empowerment. Gabor Mate MD in the realm of hungry ghosts. Jared Diamond Collapse .Shadow Syndromes John Ratev MD

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to

Sounds interesting. I'll need to pick out a book after I get through my baking shows.

I like home decor magazines too.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to

Decorating is fun too. I particularly like organizing.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen

I use to get a lot of joy in giving back to others. It's nice to get responses as well.

Well, getting nasty jobs around the house done is pretty distracting. Cleaning, getting clutter out, doing laundry.

I like listening to audiobooks in bed at night. Beats telling my mind to shut the heck up.

Reading poetry works if my dementia isn't acting up too much. But especially when I'm very stressed, this one fails me. No idea what I'm reading, and it freaks me out.

I may have mentioned it once or um... uh... maybe a few times before... I love watching Monk. It's something I can turn to that I always enjoy.

"Reddit" animal posts. There are a few nice things on "Bored Panda" too.

Reddit has a site where people share old recipes. Some people have recipes from their grandmas, and they share a picture. Or someone's got a snapshot from an old book of receipts. The discussions can be lots of fun.

I'll be keeping an eye on this post, hoping I can get a few more ideas.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to Nothing_but_books

That's funny, I was flipping through reddit when I got the notification for your post. I also have to clean my house tomorrow. But it might have to be a light cleaning because I just don't feel like cleaning.

Nothing_but_books profile image
Nothing_but_books in reply to LadyZen

You've got me beat if you ever feel like it.

Here, try this one:

boredpanda.com/best-bored-p...

Thank you. I will check it out

Artistfriend profile image
Artistfriend

Shopping online or browsing thrift stores. Trying to find a good deal on something always feels like an accomplishment even if I don't buy it. Thrift stores are good for finding unexpected surprises and deals

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to Artistfriend

It's a nice feeling when I find a great deal, especially for something I need.

Nothing_but_books profile image
Nothing_but_books in reply to Artistfriend

I used to enjoy shopping thrift stores a lot more than now. The prices have gone up so much, it seems like you can get the same item new for less. Sometimes they don't even bother to remove the original price sticker from a discount store. Their price IS higher!

Artistfriend profile image
Artistfriend in reply to Nothing_but_books

Yep ive seen that too, their prices are definitely up

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj

Ladyzen a list...coloring books, music, meditation,read outloud poetry orshakespear,scriptures. tapping....when super anxious that seems to be a better onelcount back from 100..you tube. journaling positive things.breathing....petting my pooch.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to jackiesj

Sounds very calming. Those are a lot of options too. Great for mixing it up and having variety.

Isinatra profile image
Isinatra

I love the British Baking Show. The humor is great and the staging is so colorful and bright. The Golden Girls was a good one. I used to clean for distraction, but it’s drudgery and not real fun. Cooking the same. Doing something personal just for me sometimes is nice. Usually something simple. Look at YouTube for humor. Sometimes I have to push myself to do even the smallest things. Coloring, reading. Everything really depends on where I am mentally and physically. Today, I’m gearing my head up to wash my car. I get a great brain boost when I do that.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to Isinatra

Nothing more satisfying than driving in a sparkly clean car.

Isinatra profile image
Isinatra in reply to LadyZen

lol Plus I won’t be judged that I’m a derelict.

Sawdust23 profile image
Sawdust23

I love woodworking. It allows me to be creative and all the fine measurements really distract me from reality…at least for a time. It’s a nice respite from the anxiety that pops up from now and then

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to Sawdust23

I took a furniture building class when I was younger. It was amazing to see what my classmates created. It's an art.

Sawdust23 profile image
Sawdust23

it definitely is an art! So many ways to build and so many wonderful pieces to create. Endless opportunities for creativity!

Mrspjsmom profile image
Mrspjsmom

Listening to music and brushing my cat. Any time I can use one or more of my senses it's calming.

Nothing_but_books profile image
Nothing_but_books in reply to Mrspjsmom

💜🐶🐈

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to Mrspjsmom

I bet your cat appreciates the music and brushing too.

Mrspjsmom profile image
Mrspjsmom in reply to LadyZen

He appreciates the brushing. He's a spoiled little thing. Been stealing remotes lately and hiding them under the coffee table. My husband has a fir 🤣 My dog likes the music. Especially if there are fireworks. She's afraid of them so I bring her inside and crank meditation music. Calms her right down.

I like collecting sea glass, i find it very therapeutic, and one of my chilling spots near Polzeath

Sea glass
LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to

That's beautiful! Never heard of sea glass before.

AXXES2 profile image
AXXES2

I love the outdoors but photography is my favorite thing to do so if I can go hiking and take pictures that would b awesome but even better if I had a special person with me that I can share that with would b like a dream or wish come true

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to AXXES2

That used to be hobby of mine, photography. Hiking is a current hobby of mine. I miss the old days of developing photos, when every picture was a surprise.

I enjoy playing guitar as a positive distraction.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to

Guitar music can be so relaxing too.

designguy profile image
designguy

I loved watching the great British pottery throw-down, I think it was influenced by the British Baking Show, have really enjoyed it too.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to designguy

I'll have to see if Netflix has that.

Anxiety49 profile image
Anxiety49

I find this a hard question to answer, because when I’m super anxious, I freeze up, and don’t seem to enjoy any of the usual things. However, when I’m more functional, I absolutely love junk journaling. If you haven’t heard of it, you should look it up. I find it very distracting and relaxing.

LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to Anxiety49

I can't really write as a distraction. I research and write all day for work, so it's just too much writing in one day. It's probably why I really enjoy the British Baking Show. But I have heard writing is great for therapeutic reasons for some.

Anxiety49 profile image
Anxiety49 in reply to LadyZen

It’s not writing. It’s decorating with paper and stickers, etc. It’s like scrapbooking, but not as structured.

Scrapbook page.
LadyZen profile image
LadyZen in reply to Anxiety49

Is that yours? That's beautiful! Very artsy. I love it.

Anxiety49 profile image
Anxiety49 in reply to LadyZen

Yes, that’s one of mine. Thank you.

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