Hold an ice pack underneath your eyes, above your cheekbones, for 30 seconds. The discomfort can distract you from a racing mind. The chill in this area also triggers a reflex in the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rate, which can help provide a sense of calm.
This is what it’s like to suffer from depression.
(Kick-start your new, healthy routine with Women’s Health’s 12-Week Total-Body Transformation!)
THE TRASH TRICK
Write down on paper negative thoughts like “I can’t do anything right,” then honestly ask if they fit the facts. Research shows that our thoughts are often distorted in ways that make us feel bad. Studies show this activity can help you identify unhelpful notions and think more realistically.
Related: 16 Ways To Relieve Your Anxiety Without Medication
THE STAIR TRICK
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Visualize every detail of slowly walking down a spiral staircase, from the lighting to the feel of the handrail to the sound of your foot hitting each step. The more vividly you can immerse yourself in this grounding exercise, the less room there is for intrusive thoughts.
This article originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Women’s Health. For more great advice, pick up a copy of the issue on newsstands now!