Distractions

[RainbowKitty03]

So I attempted to sleep but unfortunately I kept having night terrors.. so I sat on the couch going through this anxiety and I started playing candy crush long story short I have been sitting here for an hour playing and now I’m super sleepy. What do you guys do for a distraction?

[borahae]

I usually listen to music, read a book, or like you play games! though once i stop, i start to get anxiety again ;; so i end up having an allnighter which in turns worsen the anxiety sigh

[hypercat54]

Hi I do exactly the same as you but I play scrabble and solitaire online. When the first computer games came out I had a NES and would play this for hours when I was upset and it really helped. x

[Pat9]

reading or craft work xx

[Missclc]

I like the hidden object games and also like fishdom and willy wonka 😂 I also do take a break puzzles and 5d diamond arts are good too hope this eases for you I just been put on metazapine and really helping me four days in and feel releaved already wishing you ease of this real soon

[RainbowKitty03 in reply to Missclc]

I like the hidden object games to it really distracts me thank you !

[Missclc in reply to RainbowKitty03]

Hope your feeling a bit brighter 😎🙏🏽

[Hidden]

I forgot where I read this, but the best thing to put yourself to bed is a fiction book. It stimulates a part of the brain that handles dreaming. When you use your mind and get caught up in the book, you're activating that part of the brain. If you were to read non-fiction, it's like being in school and reading facts that your brain tries to gather and store. Another good distraction is a mindfulness app that helps guide you to sleep with a soft voice that continues to focus on the breath (deep breathing). It's extremely soothing. It's best to put your phone or tablet in night mode where the blue screen affect won't mess with the brain. Some ambient instrumental music can do the trick, too. My stuff is a bore here, but heck, you might be distracted enough trying all of the ideas everyone provided to not even remember what has you needing to be distracted. Hope you got some sleep!

[Marc787]

I have a playlists of meditation sound music from YouTube that helps me get into an alpha calm state in my mind so I can fall asleep.

[Meredyn]

I like knitting squares on my memory blanket. I collect colourful mini skeins of yarn (there are some gorgeous ones on Etsy). Knitting one square at a time and watching my blanket grow is just enough of a distraction without feeling overwhelmed by a big project, and the colours and textures really brighten my day. As I am dealing with CPTSD, creating new positive memories is very important and crafting in general really helps in mental health recovery. A guy here in the UK is actually receiving funding to study how knitting in particular aids in recovery from mental health issues.☺👍

[Hidden]

I will tell u now if u are suffering with night terrors like i do u need to STOP using a phone /kindle/ipad etc before sleep its whats causing it! Believe me ive stopped watchin my Kindle before sleep and sleeping alot better ,try it! Games are worse! If u have the type of brain i have it stimilates it and its bad news before sleep x

[Hidden]

I too have big anxiety issues at night, often don t dare going to bed. It should be a place of recovery and relaxation yet it feels more and more like a place in an, 'escape the bloody asylum' hidden object game, lol. I second the opinion of others:all blue light (tablets, phones, e-readers etc) are really bad, they keep you awake. I have a sunrise/sunset body clock and set my sunset. Within 30 mins it goes from a warm yellowish light to dark red thus supporting the building of melatonin, sleep hormon. I read a bit in a real book... then dose of. I ll wake up with severe anxiety between 2 and 5 AM every night. I have earphones beside my bed and use my mindfulness meditation app (after chosing the app: screen off) and I do 20 mins of a meditation for panic attacks. That calms me down. if not I get up and go and rest on the couch with camomile tea and meditation music. Wishing all restful sleep

[JEG325]

You could try talking/chatting with your friends. We're all here for you. Some of us keep pretty late hours too!

[Mireyaozzieg]

I like to watch tv shows that are funny or positive to keep my mind on something fun or calm to watch 2 sleep Good.

[Pamela2876]

I am sorry you are having night terrors. I have had difficulty sleeping and night terrors in my life. I know for me it helped to spend time looking to God and reading scripture. I found a lot of comfort there especially in reading the Psalms. I am not sure what your background is, but I found the more I trusted in God the less I had anxiety and depression. It really helped me to get grounded and find hope. Your in my thoughts!