Distraction
Sometimes we need a break to focus on other things when we are feeling overwhelmed. Some ideas include: Games, books/magazines, TV, podcasts, puzzles, and cleaning.
During our annual Fresh Check Day event, we asked students what songs they listen to on rough days and created this playlist. If music helps you decompress or boost your mood, check it out!
Challenge Your Thoughts
Struggling with critical thoughts or hopeless worries? Consider trying the
- "Triple R Exercise"
- Thought Diffusion techniques
- Read: Navigating Difficult Emotions With A Mindful Guide - Mindful
Self-Soothing
Grounding
Grounding strategies can help us get in touch with our bodies and surroundings in the present moment. Pause what you are doing and pay attention to what you can see, hear, smell, and touch in your environment. Try a mindful eating exercise or walk around barefoot at home and pay close attention to how every step feels.
Meditation
**CAPS would like to acknowledge that mindfulness originated in Eastern spiritual traditions, namely Buddhism, and has since been popularized in Western countries in ways inconsistent with its original purpose.