20 Unexpected Anxiety Hacks You’ve Never Tried (But Totally Should!)
Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a cycle of anxious thoughts? Sometimes, the simplest, most unexpected tricks can bring the quickest relief. 🌟 From squeezing an ice cube to munching on sour candy, these little-known anxiety hacks are designed to disrupt worry, ground your mind, and help you find calm in moments of stress. Ready to discover strategies that truly work? Let’s dive in! 💡
1. Squeeze an Ice Cube
The intense cold can help distract your mind from anxious thoughts and ground you in the present moment.
2. Eat Sour Candy
The sharp, tangy taste can interrupt anxious thought patterns and refocus your attention.
3. Try the 3-3-3 Rule
Look around and name 3 things you see, 3 sounds you hear, and move 3 parts of your body to re-center yourself.
4. Rub Lotion on Your Hands
The soothing scent and repetitive motion can help calm your nerves and provide sensory relief.
5. Trace Your Hand with Your Finger
Run one finger along the outline of your other hand, focusing on the sensation to ground yourself.
6. Chew Gum
The repetitive motion of chewing can help reduce stress and improve focus.
7. Sniff Essential Oils
Lavender, chamomile, or peppermint scents can have a calming effect on your nervous system
8. Use a Breathing Square
Trace the sides of a square with your finger: inhale on one side, hold on the next, exhale on the third, and hold on the last.
9. Name Colors Around You
Identify as many colors as you can see in your environment to shift your focus away from anxious thoughts.
10. Blow on Your Thumb
Pressing your thumb to your lips and blowing gently can help slow your breathing and calm your vagus nerve.
11. Carry a Cold Drink
Holding something cold can physically ground you and bring your focus back to the present.
12. Do a Brain Dump
Write down every thought in your head to relieve mental clutter and reduce overwhelm.
13. Tap Your Fingertips
Lightly tap each fingertip against your thumb in a rhythmic motion to self-soothe.
14. Use a Weighted Object
Holding or placing a weighted item, like a blanket or lap pad, can provide a sense of security and calm.
15. Eat Something Crunchy
The texture and sound of crunching can help distract your mind and provide sensory grounding.
16. Run Your Hands Under Cool Water
The sensation of water on your skin can be refreshing and grounding during moments of anxiety.
17. Do Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Tense and relax each muscle group in your body to release built-up tension.
18. Blow Bubbles
The act of focusing on your breath and watching the bubbles float can promote relaxation.
19. Hum or Sing
The vibrations from humming or singing can stimulate your vagus nerve, helping to calm your nervous system.
20. Use a Straw to Breathe
Take slow breaths through a straw to regulate your breathing and slow your heart rate.
Want more tips? Check out our downloadable Anxiety Tip Pack.
This page may contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you follow a link to sign up or make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you.
