I used to think that I was solving problems as they come. But I am also extremely good at escapism and masterfully distracting myself from my problems to the point of not being able to see it myself.

For example, when I was in my early 20s, I was in a toxic relationship, had broken relationship with parents (cracks already started but it will take more than that before I saw it as a problem), was still studying at university, having a temporary job with only slight idea what to do next and no financial cushion. I was not however worried or anxious all the time because my friends provided perfect opportunity to escape – we would message all the time, meet every few weeks, go to the restaurant or club, have a drink. During the time I did not see them, the shopping centre was dangerously close and accessible.

Then as I entered my 30s I had different problems to face that could contribute to me developing anxiety. But I didn’t – because, hello online shopping. And other things.

Yesterday I was talking to one of my coworkers who has relatives from Lebanon. She told me no one is concerned about what goes on in the world as the flights get cancelled to the region in anticipation of a conflict – because Lebanese people love life and partying and celebrating every day like it is their last. Not like I recommend that but it is such a refreshing and freeing thing to hear. I have relatives who are not directly impacted by any wars and yet they live in fear and depressive mood every day because they mainly watch news. And most news are negative. What a contrast!

When I hear about the people whose homes might be bombed any time not worried about it and enjoying their life, I find it criminal for those who live in safe areas to waste our time worrying. We could do better doing something productive for the society but we can do our best only when we are mentally available. And we cannot be mentally available if we are too focused on our personal problems. Therefore, the fun is necessary.

What I am trying to say is that sometimes doing something fun to distract yourself from problems can be good for you and your mental health. In fact, focusing solely on things that stress you out is a direct way to feel worse. Obsessing about the problem will not make you feel better but will make you feel that the problem is bigger than it is and you can end up feeling helpless.

Why distracting yourself from your problems can be good for you:

1. It gives you a sense of control
2. It gives you a break to be distracted so you can catch up and process your thoughts
3. It adds fun to your life, hense it is good for your mental health
4. It balances out the bad – and happy life is about the balance
5. It charges you to give you mental and physical capacity to actually deal with the problem once you are ready
6. It makes you feel supported and that you are not alone
7. It adds pleasure to your life and makes you notice other things like weather, beauty or art
8. It makes your personality lighter and more fun so you become a pleasure to be around for other people

Types of distractions to consider:

1. Going out to a cafe or restaurant
2. Trying new physical activity – biking, exercises, yoga, zumba, signing up for classes – whatever sounds exciting
3. Online shopping (most problems can be solved via Amazon products!)
4. Social – chatting or messaging someone
5. Listening to music, finding new singers or bands that you like or maybe new genres of music you did not know existed
6. Reading fun book
7. Watching a show
8. Engaging in any hobby – creating, building, writing, crafting, organizing
9. Taking pictures of things around you
10. Going into new places or exploring existing places like museums, art galleries, theatres etc. – leaving your comfort zone
11. Trying new foods and drinks
12. Trying to reinvent yourself – e.g., changing hairstyle, building new wardrobe, experimenting with makeup, building new skills or learning something new
13. Changing your environment (moving furniture around or getting new one, cleaning, reorganizing) – where and how you live is a reflection of what goes on in your life. It was eye opening for me to see, in the show Queer Eye, how people who go through depression or dark period in their lives always live in a place that reflects that. Take a look at your place as a guest and think what all the details tell you about the person who lives there.
14. Finding a challenge to overcome that is not related to your problem. For example, if your problem is career-related, focusing on a challenge such as teaching your child to read or training your pet or helping your community to build a library will add amazing value to your life
15. Humour – reading or watching or listening to something funny. Also it is the best remedy from stress
16. Travelling – anywhere will take your mind off your current problems because it will gibe you new challenges to overcome but it will be fun