My list of distractions from voices.....

This is just a list of useful distractions from voices which are distressing/upsetting etc.

I also find some of them useful for other situations as well! All are useful at different times, depending on the individual circumstances, current level of concentration and so on. Some will work for you, others wont but keep trying!

***This will be updated as time goes on! If you have any distraction techniques not on the list, please feel free to mention them in the comments section and I'll add in appropriate ones***

1.   Sit down with a mug of tea

2.   Listen to music

3.   Dance to the groovy groovy beat... 

4.   Listen to the radio/audiotapes

5.   If you play an instrument, play it! (use your common sense here folks.... if it's 3am and your          instrument is the bagpipes? Give this one a miss. :p )

6.   Read a book

7.   Read a newspaper/magazine (sometimes better when you have no concentration as you            can just read snippets)

8.    Play cards

9.    Have a blether with folk you trust.

10.  Go for a walk

11.  Write down how you're feeling

12.  Write fiction/poetry

13.  Knit (it's really easy to learn and it means you can always have a wee project or two on the           go!)*

14.    Crotchet (see knitting)

15.    Sew/embroider*

16.  Do housework (the dishes, hovering, dusting, etc.)*

17.  Do homework/coursework

18.  For the musically minded of us.... write out your favourite music

19.  If you're really keen.... write up revision notes/flashcards.

20.  Pray/meditate

21.  Do something crafty*- make cards, friendship bracelets etc.

22.  Bake/cook *

23.  If you have the need to talk to the voices and you’re in public, a tip I find handy is to pretend         to be using your mobile phone!

24.  Play board games

25.  Play online games/games on your phone

26.  Number puzzles (for example start at 517 and count down in 29’s)

27.  Word puzzles (for example word association)

28.  Paint your nails

29.  Recite the alphabet backwards

30.  Do your hair

31.  Recite your times tables.

32.  Give yourself/someone else a makeover

33.  Practice mindfulness

34.  Garden/tend to plants

35.  Colour in (sounds a bit daft, but it helped me a LOT when I couldn’t concentrate on anything         else! And I know others it’s helped too.)

*if you’re in a place mentally where it’s safe to do so- if sharp things/hot things are going to be too much of a temptation then stay away from these ones!