Channeling your excitement into a positive and fun behavior can be effective at calming you down and distracting you from what’s got you all wound up. Those who do not have fun often are actually more likely to experience criminality, obesity, and loss of creativity, researchers say. [1] X Research source Even during times when you are not just looking for a distraction, you should take your playtime just as seriously as you do work time.
Your options for being creative are a basically infinite. You could take a pottery class. Write a short story, poem or song. Draw. Buy a box of crayons and a coloring book of your choice. Paint a picture of your house. Grab your camera and try to take interesting shots of common household items. Art allows you to release or channel the nervous energy in your body. Some people have a hard time verbally expressing excitement, but making art gives you a vehicle to reproduce those feelings in physical form.
Rake leaves, mow the lawn, wash the car, do the laundry, dust the ceiling fans – just keep yourself busy and moving so as to not get caught back up in your excitement. Chores probably don’t rank high on your list of distracting things to do. They’re not all that fun. Still, much research has been conducted on the benefits of chores. Studies have found that adolescents who perform a set of chores tend to have a higher sense of responsibility, healthier self-esteem, and are more capable of handling frustration. [3] X Research source
People have a tendency to unconsciously imitate the moods of those around them. [4] X Research source Therefore, you can share your positive energy by reading or doing crafts with residents in a nursing home, patients in the hospital, or with children in a mentoring group. They will get the benefit of your bright mood, and you will have a positive method for releasing the excitement.
For example, if you are excited about starting a new job, you can get help yourself get through the excitement by getting prepared. You can research the position online to learn more about it. You can also go shopping to pick up clothing items to suit your new position. If a future vacation has you reeling with excitement, you can prep for that, too. Start making travel plans or mapping out different activities on your itinerary. You can perform a cursory Google search to learn more about the location. You can also make lists of items you will need before you depart.
Start by breathing naturally. Then, inhale air deeply through your nose for 4 counts. Hold the breath for about 2 counts. Then, release the air from your mouth for 4 counts. Repeat this exercise for several minutes to promote calm. [5] X Research source You can also add a mantra to your breathing activity. Try thinking to yourself something like “I am the picture of calm” over and over again as you breathe.
Sit comfortably in a chair or on a cushion. Breathe slowly and deeply. Orient yourself to the present moment by focusing your attention on different sensations in the environment around you. [7] X Research source [8] X Research source As you breathe, consider the sounds you hear, how your body feels on the chair, or focus a space on the wall ahead of you. As your attention wanders, simply redirect it to your focus point.
Sit comfortably in a quiet room. Inhale and exhale deeply. Close your eyes and think of a calming place. This can be a real place or an imaginary place like an exotic beach or a peaceful brook. Activate your senses to notice the smells, tastes, sounds, and physical touch associated with your calming place. [10] X Research source [11] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source You can also listen to guided visualization exercises where a speaker walks you through the imagery steps. It’s quite simple to search for visualization exercises on YouTube or download them from health or stress management website.
Try going for a walk or a run for about 20 minutes. This may seem like a short amount of time, but not much exercise is required to alleviate stress. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source You can combat extreme mental chatter by doing a more intensive workout, such as playing sports, engaging in a high-intensity interval training, or doing power yoga.
Spending time outdoors actually just makes humans happier. Science reveals that even short nature walks can reduce depressive feelings, boost your outlook on life, improve your body’s ability to fend off illness, and enhance focus (which you could definitely use right now). [13] X Research source You can opt to go outside alone or invite a friend for an even better distraction-booster. The two of you can go for a walk in the park or toss a ball around in your backyard.
Getting your body moving by dancing to some music will generate those feel-good endorphins that come with exercise. But, you will also benefit by tiring yourself out physically to fight the over-excitement. Maybe after a fun dance session, you might want to take a short nap.
