My Step-By-Step Guide to Resisting the Urge to Daydream
The most common question I get asked is how to actually stop yourself from daydreaming. This is the process I go through when I see something that makes me want to daydream. It saved me; I hope it can do the same for you. Resisting it gets easier every time.
Take a deep breath in; one, two, three.
Think to yourself (or say out loud): I am in charge of what I think. I do not have to engage with this.
Breathe out: three, two, one.
Immediately redirect yourself into a new activity. Some things that I have used to distract myself include (but are not limited to):
Talking to a friend/family member/co-worked/commenting about the weather to a person on the street
Starting an online sudoku game
Playing a game on my phone (I recommend something that takes brain power, like Two Dots or CodyCross)
Talking to a friend/family member
Doing a jigsaw puzzle (which there are apps for)
Opening a news article or reading a newspaper
Reading old texts and emails
Looking at family photo albums
Baking something intricate
Reciting my mantra (see my previous post about this)
Doing some uni work I’ve been putting off
Playing a board game (or solo card game if you’re on your own)
Watching a documentary or TV show that isnt connected to a daydream
Repeat this process every time you feel the urge. It’s hard, but I’ve found that it really works.
Keep in mind that this is something I devised based on research and experience, not medical information or expertise. If a mental health professional recommends a different approach to you, PLEASE follow their advice. If you’re just looking for some amateur help from someone who’s been there, this will hopefully be of use.