topic HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY??? in Staying well

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Gab_ — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 06:43:52 GMT

I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm having negative thoughts, the only way for me to stay on top of my head is to keep busy.

For me it helps to be productive and creative, whether that be by working, doing my assignments, exercising, painting, or writing poetry.

Does anyone out there want to share how they cope when they're feeling 'not so hot'???

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Katyonthehamsterwheel — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 07:00:32 GMT

Hiya

I love that you mentioned productive and creative, because my psych warned against busyness for busyness sake. One day I walked and walked and walked just to get my head to shoosh. It worked ok but then I was miles away lol

Ive found that sometimes gardening, particularly weeding, is good. There’s that grounding, nature element as well as sense of accomplishment. Or just getting my thoughts out on paper if I don’t have the mental space to concentrate on an assignment 🙂

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Miz — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 07:02:56 GMT

Hey Gab - I completely agree!

At the moment, it feels like the only way to escape the bad thoughts/bad news is by occupying our mind with other things and keeping super busy! It sounds like you're doing some really helpful things like using creative outlets and exercising. When I feel overwhelmed and start having those 'not so hot' thoughts I like to go on a long walk in nature. To help keep me grounded, I try to be really aware of my surroundings - even just focusing on the type of trees I can see or if I can hear any bird noises. I think exercise is one of the best distractors and also has the added benefit of boosting our endorphins!

It really sounds like you are doing lot's of productive, positive things to keep you busy - have you tried any puzzles? I find they can be a really good distraction when things aren't going so well!

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

startingnew — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 12:47:53 GMT

hello! i also have to be busy otherwise my mental health goes downhill

i do work 2 jobs so that mostly keeps me busy but some other things i like to do are

-crochet

-diamond artwork

-short online courses to study

-colouring in, and doing findawords

-scrapbooking

-i also find reorganising things and decluttering helpful too

-gardening

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

geoff — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 16:32:57 GMT

Hello Gab, thanks for your comment.

You have asked a good question because everyone is different, but what I used to do was paint and in that, I mean, paint the timber windows outdoors, even if they didn't need a coat of paint using a large size paint brush, and painting because I could see and benefit from a change.

Other people like to walk, while others enjoy going to the inside/outside pool.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Gab_ — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:08:14 GMT

that's very helpful, I like that 'grounding' element, that's a really nice perspective, makes me think about being in the moment

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Gab_ — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:10:03 GMT

I love that idea! Maybe I'll take my puzzle out, it's a very mind-occupying activity

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Gab_ — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:11:56 GMT

love it! I need to properly get into scrapbooking but I kind of shy away, hard to be creative sometimes

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Gab_ — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:12:52 GMT

I get you, I like being practical too 🙂

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

topsy_ — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 09:58:25 GMT

How do I keep busy? I don’t! I’m bored out of my brain. Stuck with no energy or motivation.

I know it’s up to me to change it. But I’m just a big lump on the lounge. Always.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

quirkywords — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 11:18:26 GMT

I find if I feel have to keep busy I usually don’t do much and I feel bad about myself. If I do not have any expectations of what have to do, there is no pressure and whatever I do I can enjoy, even if it is just sorting out my sock drawer.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

topsy_ — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:51:04 GMT

Yes I agree with you. But I just find it impossible to get up off the lounge. BUT yesterday & today I’ve done a couple of things, only small things but I knew I would feel I’d let myself down if I didn’t do them.

And the thing that made the difference? The sun was out yesterday. All this time I’ve been beating myself up, when there might have actually been a concrete reason for how I’ve been feeling! I ought to know this stuff by now!!

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

geoff — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 16:57:42 GMT

Hello Topsy, some people are quite happy doing a jig saw puzzle, that occupies their mind.

Geoff.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

missep123 — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 01:27:25 GMT

Hi everyone,

For me I like to play video games- I get a sense of satisfaction when I complete a mission or get another mission. It gives me some sense of structure while in lockdown and like I am achieving something. Does anyone else feel this way?

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

jtjt_4862 — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 03:03:38 GMT

Hi everyone,

I occupy my mind with a lot of video games. I enjoy the sensation of trying to break the game with combinations of character builds/skill builds. Sometimes I wish I could work as a game tester, but I know that job would end up feeling mundane and tedious. Other times I do Nonogram puzzles and random sketches and doodles (whenever I can, cuz art block sometimes prevent me from doing this).

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Gab_ — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 09:04:39 GMT

Hi Topsy, can you think of any activity you'd rather be doing?

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

smallwolf — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:16:41 GMT

Hello.

Keeping busy may be one way of coping. It was said to me that depression is thinking about the past and anxiety is worry about the future. The circuit breaker can be to find some way of bringing yourself to the present.

Some of the previous posts had suggestions but we also have to find what works for us. For myself I use apps on my phone and that might not work for you?

Anyhow if you want to chat more I am listening.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY???

Learn to Fly — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:39:46 GMT

Hi smallwolf,

“It was said to me that depression is thinking about the past and anxiety is worry about the future. The circuit breaker can be to find some way of bringing yourself to the present.”

Mate, you got me thinking alright!

You have a great ability to compact an entire volume into a few, but really well chosen words. Thank you my friend!

My way of coping with negative thoughts.... Fresh air, walking my dog, exercising, reading a book, eating dark chocolate,...

I am trying to work on that “bringing myself to the present” bit. Trying on meditation but failing time wise.

Take care Guys!