Positive Distractions

Have you been experiencing distress that you could not eliminate immediately? Or, have you been overly inactive due to depression which is increasing negative thought cycles and depressed feelings? If either of these scenarios describes your current situation, then the power of intentional positive distraction can be helpful for you. Distraction can shift your mind’s attention and boost your mood. Just keep in mind that while distraction can be a helpful tool, it should not be used to perpetually avoid dealing with unresolved issues. Many times, simple distractions like TV or music can be great ways of shifting your attention.  At other times, when your mind is feeling a stronger pull to dwell on the distress at hand, you may need a more captivating distraction activity.  If you need a more captivating distraction activity, consider options that require more focus, brain power or body movement. Or, consider options that give a sense of purpose, accomplishment, challenge, stimulation or change of scenery. It is important to keep in mind that the intentional positive distraction activity does not have to sound amazing to benefit you. You just need to pick things to do and commit! Do you need help thinking of things to do? Check out the list and video below for ideas. Then, start engaging in intentional positive distraction now!

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Intentional Positive Distraction Activities

● Watch a tv show or movie

● Listen to enjoyable music

● Make a music playlist

● Listen to a podcast

● Find a concert or local live music

● Positive social media channels

● Create content for social media

● Play an instrument

● Go to a movie theater

● Play video games

● Virtual reality gaming center

● Write a story, poem or song

● Go grocery shopping

● Think of new things to cook

● Go to a coffee shop

● Restaurant with a trivia night

● Spend time with pets

● Get fresh air and sunlight

● Go to a park nearby

● Stargaze or watch the sunset

● Rent electric scooters

● Rent e-bikes and go riding

● Driving range or mini golf

● Go hunting or fishing

● Play cornhole. or yard games

● Go to a disc golf course

● Plan a relaxing picnic

● Go somewhere with laser tag

● Go to a nature preserve

● Find a go-kart track

● Go to a sporting event

● Take a dance class

● Go to an escape room

● Go to an axe throwing facility

● Plan a short or long vacation

● Go shopping at the mall

● Play a board game

● Go to a shooting range

● Go to the bowling alley

● Go tubing on the river

● Build a bonfire at night

● Pool hall or ping pong

● Go to a zoo or aquarium

● Go to the botanical garden

● Hang out with friends or family

● Date night or a double date

● Video chat with friends or family

● Call someone on the phone

● Plan a group hangout

● Find a church to go to

● Find a group or club to try

● Volunteer for a cause

● Draw, paint, craft, take photos

● Take an art class

● Go to a history or art museum

● Go to a comedy show

● Get errands done

● Complete a chore list

● Do something nice for someone

● Find something to build

● Enroll in an online course

● Swim, boat or kayak at the lake

● Take a bubble bath

● Take a cold shower

● Go to a pool or hot tub

● Take a cold plunge

● Go to a sauna for detox

● Treat yourself to a spa day

● Get a massage to relieve tension

● Learn holistic health ideas

● Read an enjoyable book

● Create a goal list

● Build things with legos

● Puzzle or a crossword puzzle