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ATTENTION ! DISTRACT !
Distraction can be a very useful tool to use when we might otherwise do something we will regret later. So this page includes tips and links to other helpful websites, so you can use the internet to re-focus your attention. You can also find a list of offline activities here. This page is for tips and links to how we can shift our focus of attention in a helpful way. Notice those thoughts, feelings and urges to respond.....acknowledge those experiences rather than fight with them, then choose where to put your focus of attention. As you "do" your chosen activity, you will notice thoughts, feelings and other distractions come into your awareness. Just notice that, then gently bring your attention back to your chosen activity. For help with suicidal thoughts, contact the Samaritans or visit this page.
RIGHT NOW! As soon as you notice those thoughts and feelings, say to yourself: STOPP! Then think about - and say to yourself (or out loud), as quickly as you can... 5 things you can see right now 4 things you can hear right now 3 things you can touch, and reach out and touch them, right now 2 things you can smell or like the smell of 1 slow, deep breath. Then focus on your breathing, before shifting your focus of attention onto something different....
Learn effective DBT & CBT skills online - The Decider Skills for Self Help online course The Decider Therapeutic Skills online training for professionals
GOOD NEWS WEBSITES
A more positive alternative to the usual doom
& gloom
And you can do it
online...
WATCH A FUNNY VIDEO
WATCH A FEEL-GOOD VIDEO Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen
LISTEN TO MUSIC Here are some websites where you can browse and listen to music. Make sure you listen to music that is going to help you feel better! Choose wisely according to how you feel. Consider calming or energising, uplifting and/or inspiring music (more info here)
MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC Online composing software websites. The simple but fun.. And the more sophisticated...
Because the games are free, you might have to tolerate some advertising. Let me know if you find another free puzzle games site that doesn't use too intrusive advertising
MAKE A FIRST AID KIT Gather items together to create a soothing emergency first aid kit or soothe bag - for the times when you're feeling distressed.
Choose an activity to do mindfully, just for 1 or 2 minutes Whatever you do, be in that moment, right now. Focus your attention, and notice what you see around you, right where you are. Listen to the sounds around and inside you. Notice whatever you can smell. Reach out and touch what is within reach - the chair, the floor, yourself. Notice those sensations of breathing in your chest, your belly, your throat and nose. Simply notice whenever other thoughts and sensations come to mind - as they surely will - then gently re-focus on our chosen mindful activity. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Describe your experiences and what you notice, rather than judging them to be good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant.
It is as it is. It will pass.
Home and garden
Leisure
Getting out
Self Soothing
Express yourself physically
Learn effective DBT & CBT skills online - The Decider Skills for Self Help online course The Decider Therapeutic Skills online training for professionals
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