10 quiet activities to do when your surroundings seem too loud

[TeenHelp]

10 quiet activities to do when your surroundings seem too loud
By Cassie (cynefin)

On any given day, the world, the people around you, or your own thoughts can seem too loud and overwhelming. When everything overpowers your own thoughts, it might help to choose a quiet activity to slow down and block out the negativity.

Get outside when you can. Take a walk around your neighborhood, or find a local trail to hike at. Pay attention to all the little things: the trees blowing in the wind, the birds chirping, or the smell of the dirt beneath your feet. Being present alone with nature can help provide a sense of comfort and solitude when necessary. Can't or don't want to go outside? Observe through an open window, or listen to nature sounds instead.

Read a book or watch a movie. While these aren't exactly quiet activities, they are a good distraction, especially when you can get lost or invested in a storyline. If you'd like, choose a particularly calming and uneventful genre or storyline.

Have a tasty snack or dessert. While preparing and eating it, turn off your electronics. Pay attention to the smell, taste, and texture of the food you're eating. Not only is this quiet, but the lack of distraction can encourage you to really enjoy your food.

Do something that doesn't require a lot of concentration, such as folding towels, or mopping the floor. These repetitive tasks can keep you going for a while. Some people even like crisp vacuum lines and enjoy cleaning as an outlet when they are anxious. Consider reorganizing your closet, pantry, or the space under your bed. Having a clean space tends to make it easier for people to relax and focus when needed.

Play a game or start a jigsaw puzzle. You can choose to play a game on an app or the internet, with internet generated or real players. If you'd rather do something else, try doing a jigsaw puzzle. You can wrap your fingers around the pieces, sort them by color, and even considering gluing the entire puzzle together and framing it once you're done. If you don't feel like trying a puzzle, look for some brain games instead.

Taking a cat nap can produce a sense of calm for some people. It's a good escape, and it will give you and your body the opportunity to rest for a while. Consider taking and counting deep breaths and listening to meditations or affirmations.

Try doing something artistic. Paint on paper, or redo a piece of furniture. Draw a pretty scene, or try to draw what you're feeling inside. Writing a poem, decorating a cake, using sidewalk chalk, and doing something musical are other artistic things you can try. If you aren't interested in painting on paper, consider painting your nails instead!

Learn something new! Reread parts of old textbooks, watch YouTube videos and look at interesting facts when you can. You can learn something new each day, and these tidbits are likely to stick with you if they're something you are interested in.

Spend time with a pet. Pets are amazing sources of companionship, and they serve as a reason for many to get out of bed each morning. Pet a cat, dog, or small animal. Talk and vent to them, take care of them, and show them how much you love them. Pets can be especially helpful when you want to vent or you need to be reminded of unconditional love.

Do things to help you feel safe and secure during your downtime. For instance, if you don't want to be disturbed, use ear plugs. If the bright light bothers you, close the blinds and curtains. If you live in a busy area, put a little bit of light music on in the background. Wrap a blanket around yourself for a physical sense of security and comfort.

While many of these activities correspond to mindfulness, it can be beneficial to have activities already picked out so you can choose one without having to brainstorm a few. Activities engaging in mindfulness are often similar to ones that provide peace and quiet by drowning out surroundings.