YEAR 2020. Okay so you heard it, and well, your teeth just gritted automatically. Because hey! This is THAT much. Stress left and right brought about by the infamous (yet flavorful) grinds. And regardless of whether you’re a lifelong anxiety-haver or you were cool as kewl as my fave drink, it’s totally OK! It is normal to feel *feelings* these days amid the pandemic.
So here’s the good news. From anti-anxiety notebooks to virtual mental health resources, there are lots of ways to feel better ASAP – including a technique called hyperfixation.
“Hyperfixation is when you are completely immersed in some sort of activity,” licensed mental health counselor Micheline Maalouf explained as quoted by Cosmopolitan’s Kara Cuzzone. Remember how you got totally sucked into that noteworthy film and forgot your surroundings? Yes friend, that’s hyperfixation.
Basically, it’s a way to take your mind off whatever’s bothering you by getting focused on the present moment. Hyperfixation can be really helpful when you’re dealing with uncertainty or a situation that you don’t have much control over, said Regine Galanti, PhD, founder of Long Island Behavioral Psychology.
Now here’s a rundown of ways to get your mind off 2020.
1. Grab a book and get lost into its flow
With the right story (ahem, may I suggest “The Vanishing Half” by Britt Bennett or “They Wish They Were Us” by Jessica Goodman) you can get so drowned in the characters and plot that you forget what’s happening in your life. The sensory experience of turning the pages and reading every word can help keep you in the present moment too, said Dr. Galanti.
2. Discover a new video game
According to Dr. Galanti, games that are active, immersive and allow you to connect with friends can be a healthy way to cope – just as long as you’re not playing them all day every day. I know that you know how to take things moderately, right? Okay.
3. Grab your apron and let’s try a new recipe at home
Following a recipe requires some attention, which means less space in your brain for anxious thoughts. Yay! Plus you’re keeping your hands busy and your senses engaged, both of which make it easier to stay present, Dr. Galanti noted. (What do you crave now? Ehem, if it’s raining in your place, might as well think of that warmest soup)
4. Try a new makeup tutorial.
How about if we try a little bit of… painting? But on our faces. Hey, it’s art! Head to TikTok or YouTube and find a look you want to recreate, then go to town in front of your bathroom mirror. Before you know it, you’ll be obsessing over how to create the perfect cat eye, not the friend drama you were worried about earlier. (And oh, my friend’s trying this *drag queen* eye and it’s just as interesting!)
5. Browse thru Netflix (…and chill)
Getting swept up in a couple of episodes of your latest Netflix binge or opting to watch a whole movie is an easy way to tune out your stress after a long day, says Maalouf. But you might want to consider setting a time limit to avoid going overboard, she adds. Noted. Uhm, recommendations? Try Studio Ghibli films (real feel good), or some Korean dramas (*giggles).
6. Channel your inner ‘plantmom’/‘platdad’
Yes, you could become a plant parent. Having leafy babies to take care of is a great activity to put your attention towards on a regular basis. It gives you a sense of responsibility and can lead to feelings of accomplishment which is good for your mental health, as quoted from Naiylah Warren, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Backyard gardening is fun!
7. Take up knitting or learn embroidery
Knitting is a good hyperfixation habit because it requires focus. If you space out, your project will turn out totally effed up. There’s something kind of meditative about it too, once you get into a rhythm.
Embroidery is another hobby that demands your full attention. And once you get the hang of it, you can stitch pretty designs on sweatshirts, t-shirts, and literally every other piece of clothing you own. Play your cards right and it could become a side hustle, just sayin’.
8. Go for a walk/hike
Remember how Dr. Galanti said that engaging your senses can help you stay present and avoid an anxiety spiral? Walking in the morning or as intensive as hiking could be great ways to do. With this, you’re taking in new sights and sounds as you go. Don’t forget to bring your masks and water.
9. Call your friends, too
We probably don’t have to tell you that spending time with your amigas or amigos will make you forget about the stressful things going on in the world. But social distancing can make hanging out a little tough. So, instead, have a good old fashioned vent sesh via FaceTime, Messenger, Zoom or just anywhere you want!
10. Let’s do some cleaning
OK, so cleaning might not exactly be your ideal way to unwind. But Dr. Galanti said that committing to a task you imagine your ideal self would do, like cleaning out your closet, might make you feel better – especially if you’ve been feeling unmotivated lately. Just think how much better your Zoom background will look when you’re done.
11. Take up a new course/learn a new language
Never got past ninth grade French? Want to unleash another genius inside you? Now’s your chance. Learning a new skill can help if you’re dealing with depression, added Dr. Galanti.
12. Try mindful eating
Order your favorite dessert, but instead of polishing it off in 30 seconds flat (hey, we all do it), experiment with eating mindfully. Notice the food’s color, shape, texture, smell, and sound when you bite into it. Pay attention to what flavors you taste during the first bite, and whether they change as you continue eating, Maalouf suggested.
13. Scroll through TikTok
As long as your For You page is full of funny pranks, cute puppies or other feel-good content, scrolling through TikTok can be a positive way to practice hyperfixation, said Warren. You should learn that latest dance craze with your kids, siblings and parents, too! (with Cosmopolitan/PN)
