What is your best method for dealing with an anxious mind?

1. I really wish I wasn't so late to this one because I have the best trick. If you feel an anxiety attack coming on, play catch. You can throw absolutely anything, to a friend, up in the air, bounce a ball, just keep doing it. After a few minutes of this, you will be completely calm. It works every single time without fail. My therapist taught me this trick, and I really hope this doesn't get buried so it can help someone else. EDIT: This is getting a lot of attention so I want to clarify a few points to ensure efficiency. First, you do not need a partner to do this. You can throw the object up, or bounce something by yourself. Second, and most important, you must do this quickly. As soon as you catch, you need to throw again. The whole point is to distract/redirect your thoughts. If done slowly, this will not work. I'm so glad that this is gaining attention. Anxiety sucks, and I'm happy to help anyone else that has had to deal with it. Good luck to all of you!
   — jade_dragonfly13


2. Staying physically active makes a world of difference. I started running after my depression started evolving into anxiety and panic attacks. You might not notice the first couple times, but once it becomes a part of your routine you'll find you're loads happier. I hope that helps!
   — cellular-space-cadet


3. Sometimes, I find myself in thought spirals about things that are worth worrying about—just not right now. In order to avoid suppressing the thoughts completely, I imagine myself putting them in a box and placing the box high up on a shelf. Then, I set a specific time that I will come back. Every time my mind wanders, I picture the box on the shelf and remind myself it's not time yet. Later, on my agreed upon time, I come back and deal with my bad thoughts.
   — teenytinybaklava






4. Assume connection over disconnect. Before: wow, I’m being so awkward. They can totally notice. I stuttered. They must think less of me now. This person is so calm and cool, why can’t I be like that. I hope I’m putting on a good enough act. God, why can’t I just stop feeling this way. Now: maybe this is awkward for us both, and that’s ok. This person and I probably have something in common, some shared life experience or perspective, and if not, we can learn from each other It’s much easier assuming you’re similar already rather than focusing the attention on yourself and your flaws.
   — pollygolly


5. The best method I learned was to treat anxious thoughts like buses going past a bus stop. Don't stand in their way and try to stop them or you'll only get run over. Stand at the stop, acknowledge them, and then just don't get on. Don't try and replace the bus with something better or it'll only cause a crash. Just let the bus come, and let it go. Eventually a bus you'll like (a good thought) will come along and you can get on that and focus on that. Just let the buses come and go.
   — anto475


6. Cut out caffeine if you haven’t already. Many people aren’t aware that it can cause or worsen anxiety.
   — FreshStart2018






7. Mindfulness meditation. Im working on this right now; taking 10 minutes a day to meditate teaches you how to clear you mind and focus thoughts. Huge help for depression and anxiety
   — Zaalen


8. If you're the type to ruminate and therefore can't just let anxious thoughts go by without obsessing, it's better to tell yourself you're prepared for the disaster you've created instead of trying to let it go. And since you're prepared, it won't be as bad so you can get through it.
   — _Green_Kyanite_