When anxiety creeps in, it can feel like your brain’s stuck in overdrive. You’ve probably already tried the usual stuff — deep breathing, long walks, mindfulness apps. Sometimes they help. Other times, you’re still left staring at the ceiling at 3am. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to try something a bit different.
These aren’t your standard “light a candle and breathe” tips. They’re a little quirky, a bit unexpected, and surprisingly helpful.
Stare At Something Boring On Purpose
This one sounds weird, but it works. Ever find yourself zoning out watching a washing machine or a YouTube video of someone chopping vegetables? That’s your brain taking a break.
Pick something repetitive and low-stakes. Aquarium fish. Clouds moving. A lava lamp. Let your brain settle into the rhythm. It gives your thoughts a rest without you needing to do much at all.
Cold Water Trick
If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts are racing and you just want it to stop, splash cold water on your face. Better yet, dunk your face into a bowl of cold water for a few seconds. It triggers a calming reflex in your body and helps slow everything down.
It’s not exactly relaxing in the moment, but it pulls you out of your head fast. Definitely one to keep in your back pocket when anxiety shows up uninvited.
Drink Something A Bit Different
Instead of reaching for a glass of wine or a coffee, consider trying a THC infused social tonic. These drinks are made to help you chill out in a low-key, manageable way. They’re not going to knock you off your feet, but they can definitely take the edge off.
Perfect for quiet evenings or winding down after a stressful day. Just start slow if you haven’t had one before. Everyone reacts differently, so give yourself space to see how it feels.
Do A Tiny Clean-Up Job
When your mind feels messy, your surroundings usually do too. But the thought of cleaning everything can be overwhelming. So don’t.
Pick one tiny task. Clear your bedside table. Wipe down the mirror. Empty one drawer. It doesn’t have to make a big difference visually. The point is that you’re doing something simple and achievable. That small win helps settle your mind.
Create A Safe Zone Playlist
Music can shift your mood fast. Make a playlist full of songs that feel like a soft landing. They don’t have to be slow or sad — just tracks that make you feel held or safe.
You can even make two playlists. One for when you need to let it all out and scream-sing in your car, and one for when you want to wind down. Music does things words sometimes can’t.
Try A Weighted Eye Mask
You’ve probably heard of weighted blankets, but weighted eye masks are underrated. They’re like a tiny stress-relief tool for your face. The light pressure helps your body relax, and blocking out light makes it easier to rest, even if you’re not sleeping.
It’s great for quick breaks or powering down before bed. Some even come with lavender scents or cooling features for a bit of added calm.
Do Something Silly And Pointless
Anxiety loves to trick you into thinking everything has to be useful or productive. Break that loop. Do something ridiculous and fun for no reason at all.
Build a Lego tower. Colour in a dinosaur. Watch a cartoon from your childhood. Let yourself be five years old for ten minutes. That playful energy reminds your nervous system that it’s okay to feel safe and relaxed sometimes.
Watch Tiny Videos Of Animals Being Weird
No, seriously. Whether it’s a hedgehog eating a strawberry or a capybara sitting in a hot tub, animal videos are gold when it comes to calming the mind. There’s something comforting about watching creatures who have no deadlines, no inbox, and no clue what a meeting is.
Pop one on next time your chest feels tight. You’ll be surprised how quickly it helps.
Let Go Of “Fixing” It All
Sometimes, the best way to deal with anxiety is to stop trying to fight it. You don’t have to fix everything. You don’t even have to feel better right away. Just try one small thing. And if that doesn’t work today, maybe it will tomorrow.
Some days are harder than others. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It just means you’re human. Try these ideas out – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how effective they really are!
