Enjoyable activities can help take your mind off the pain you’re feeling and distract you from worries. They can also relieve boredom.
Distracting activities can include:
- talking to a friend or a relative on the phone or in person
- playing a video game
- reading a magazine or book
- watching a movie
- baking
- working on a project
- playing a board game or card game
Using distraction for real-life situations
Let’s think back to the two situations you were introduced to earlier in this section. Using distraction activities, here are some possible solutions.
Situation 1
You have just received treatment and are beginning to feel some side effects such as nausea.
Distraction activities:
- Invite friends over to watch a funny TV episode or movie.
- Play with a portable video game.
Situation 2
You’ve just received medication to help with your pain and are waiting for it to "kick in."
Distraction activities:
- Create a fun music playlist on your phone or laptop. Try finding songs that are fast-paced or relate to how you feel. This way you can match the beat of the song to the pain you are experiencing or even sing along!
- Get creative! Try painting, beading, drawing, assembling model kits (such as planes or cars), or putting puzzles together.
Now that you’re a pro at distraction techniques, think of other activities that can be used as distracters.
