I also read something online a few weeks ago that I found helpful.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Read it. Then read it backwards once again your mind.

This is how we control our thoughts. How we guide them into where we want our attention to settle.

I thought, well if I can do it with reading which for me is thinking about the words I see. I can think about words I choose any time I want to.

So when anxious thoughts start popping up to myself. I think something silly and offbeat to myself. ELEPHANT. ELEPHANT. ELEPHANT.

The repetition reminded me of a System of a Down song where they sing “BANANA, BANANA, TERRICOTA, TERRICOTA PIE”. I use this one as well.

But yes. The point is, it’s the ability to distract yourself from the anxious thoughts. This might involve choosing to do an activity. Watching TV or exercise for example. I also find that if I’m busier, I have less time alone with my anxious thoughts because my mind is focused on tasks or activities.