Relaxation Hacks If Meditation Doesn't Work For You

There are plenty of ways to achieve the same level of relaxation without meditation. They're rooted in a technique called "the distraction method". This method consists of doing basic activities to help you take a step back from your anxiety. So, by doing something simple and functional, you may be able to relax, regroup and maybe reexamine the issue that was causing your anxiety.

Here are some suggestions for activities that may calm your mind without using meditation:

• Arts and crafts. Working with your hands diverts energy into something productive. Plus, being artistic calms the nervous system because you're moving your attention away from worrying.
• Yoga. A quieter mind is just one of the benefits that come from practicing yoga. It's basically active meditation, which is great for the anxiety-prone, because it allows you to focus on your breathing and body without getting stuck in your head.
• Go for a walk. Walking outside allows you to refocus your anxious energy on a physical act and take in the world around you.
• Free-writing before bed. Writing with a pen and paper helps you get away from distracting screens. This is especially great for people with anxiety that affects their sleep.