In previous blogs I have talked about how important distractions are. I find that keeping busy lessons the frequency of anxious thought spirals and sad days. Everyone has different ways of keeping their minds occupied, but below I have listed 7 distractions that have helped me during my breakup process. They may seem simple, silly, and common, but for me they did the trick, and I hope they can help some of you as well.
1. Workout
Now I am not saying I am a fan of working out, because to be honest I hate it. But, it has been a great way to keep myself busy. It kills a lot of time that I usually spent sitting around and being sad. I drive to the gym after work, stay for a half hour to 45 minutes and drive home. That time is all for me and it also gets me out of the house. Not only does the actual workout serve as a distraction, but the process of getting to and from the gym does as well.
2. Watch a TV show
I am a huge TV junkie. Netflix marathoning should be a profession. Watching a TV show may seem so simple, but it is powerful. It lets you go to another world almost and focus on someone else and their life. It is a wonderful way to take a little break from reality.
3. Go for drinks with a friend
Nothing is better than a good laugh with a friend and having a cocktail at the same time doesn't hurt! Spend some time reconnecting with friends and hear about their life. Sometimes focusing on someone else is a great distraction.
4. Treat yourself
Go for a manicure, buy a new outfit, or go have a nice lunch. Doing something for yourself can be really therapeutic and it allows you to focus on what you want that will make you feel better.
5. Start a hobby
When Sam and I broke up I decided to try and learn how to knit. It didn't work out for me because I wasn't very good at it, but the time I spent learning the skills and practicing constantly distracted me. I wasn't focusing on my own thoughts or emotions, I was focusing on the hobby.
6. Get organized
After my most recent breakup I went on into an organizational mode. I decided to redo my room, get rid of things I didn't want, and look through things I have left untouched for years. It got my mind off of the breakup and allowed me to think about other things.
7. Read a funny book
Like watching a TV show, reading a funny book is another way to transport yourself to almost another world. I read Amy Poehler's book, Yes Please, after Max and I broke up. It helped me laugh again, distracted me, and kept me busy.
All of these ideas are really simple distractions, but they can make a world of difference. Trust me and try some of them out!
1. Workout
Now I am not saying I am a fan of working out, because to be honest I hate it. But, it has been a great way to keep myself busy. It kills a lot of time that I usually spent sitting around and being sad. I drive to the gym after work, stay for a half hour to 45 minutes and drive home. That time is all for me and it also gets me out of the house. Not only does the actual workout serve as a distraction, but the process of getting to and from the gym does as well.
2. Watch a TV show
I am a huge TV junkie. Netflix marathoning should be a profession. Watching a TV show may seem so simple, but it is powerful. It lets you go to another world almost and focus on someone else and their life. It is a wonderful way to take a little break from reality.
3. Go for drinks with a friend
Nothing is better than a good laugh with a friend and having a cocktail at the same time doesn't hurt! Spend some time reconnecting with friends and hear about their life. Sometimes focusing on someone else is a great distraction.
4. Treat yourself
Go for a manicure, buy a new outfit, or go have a nice lunch. Doing something for yourself can be really therapeutic and it allows you to focus on what you want that will make you feel better.
5. Start a hobby
When Sam and I broke up I decided to try and learn how to knit. It didn't work out for me because I wasn't very good at it, but the time I spent learning the skills and practicing constantly distracted me. I wasn't focusing on my own thoughts or emotions, I was focusing on the hobby.
6. Get organized
After my most recent breakup I went on into an organizational mode. I decided to redo my room, get rid of things I didn't want, and look through things I have left untouched for years. It got my mind off of the breakup and allowed me to think about other things.
7. Read a funny book
Like watching a TV show, reading a funny book is another way to transport yourself to almost another world. I read Amy Poehler's book, Yes Please, after Max and I broke up. It helped me laugh again, distracted me, and kept me busy.
All of these ideas are really simple distractions, but they can make a world of difference. Trust me and try some of them out!