I'm the same as @CuddleDuncan ... computer games for me.
Honestly, not having to constantly be on alert for roaming hands. It’s much easier to relax if I don’t feel like I have to worry about that.
I subscribe to a few youtubers who have very monotone or calming voices and I just let one of their longer videos play in the background, before I know it I'm down for the count.
I focus on one boring object in the distance. I just stare at it. 2-3 minutes later everything around me falls away. I can really clear my head that way.
Being open minded to therapy and medication. Still have good and bad days, but to have the ability to turn your mind off (well not off, but just not as loud), to limit those ruminating thoughts… it’s not easy, but putting the work in has yielded great results for me.
Writing in a daily journal.
A nice cuddle for me, I once cuddled with a cracked rib it never bothered me at all during a 2 hour cuddle. I even dozed off, I never felt it until the cuddle was over.
Any hobby or Games or TV are a good brief distraction, but the most effective thing long term ive found is a little exercise! Cycling, walking are my favs , but even a short gym session or anything that gets the body moving and oxygen pumping is so worth it.. Ive been dying to try an aerobic boxing class but havent found any close by
Extra dose of night time cough syrup and some melatonin
Nothing
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Exhaustion
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It's tough for me to shut off my brain. I listen to audio books (a British accent works well) to concentrate on the words instead of the brain-chaos at the end of the day.
The other thing I have learned to add to calming for sleep is "swaddling" -- just like babies. I tuck my covers around me and pull my hands close to my side to imitate the way babies swaddle. The combination works the best of anything I have tried.
I lost that switch a long time ago. I hope to find it again someday day.
Getting "lost" in a PHYSICAL book!
YouTube videos. Typically space documentaries or lately, wristwatch restoration.
My dog's! They are my absolute bestie's 💕 I think about them all day and rush home to see them!
Meditation, music, and intuitive movement practices ❤️
Evening soaks in my hot tub looking up at the stars on a clear night.
Long walks in the middle of the night in snow - it’s so peaceful and beautiful.
Floating helps me. For those unfamiliar with the term, it’s the experience of spending time in a sensory deprivation tank. It’s completely dark and silent, and you float in super-salinated body temperature water. Laying in there while practicing some deep breathing exercises that I learned in yoga are perfect for quieting my mind.
Melatonin and Magnesium for me
Here is what helps me shut my brain. it actually works.
I am able to shut my brain off. It's taken practice, first for seconds at a time, then for extended periods. There is a point at which time becomes irrelevant because whether it's for a second or two, or minutes, once time perception is gone, the effect is the same regardless of how long.
I was born with an on/off button. Unfortunately only a proctologist can get to it. Just one of many design flaws of my body.
Seems like my body should qualify for a manufacturer’s recall.
I've started a new hobby of painting miniatures from Warhammer 40K Here is one I finished today
-A couple of spritz of a sour spray -Cold water on face -Planking for as long as you can -Holding a squat for as long as you can -Box breathing technique -Listening to singing bowls online -Reading a book -Watching a nature documentary -CBD tincture
High voltage to the temples.
Perfumes
Having a great guitar and sing soft music helps me. As well guests were able to de-stress, relax, cry or falls asleep happy while listening.