My Favorite Anxiety Hack EVER (to Self-Regulate)

Jessica shares her favourite anxiety hack for self-regulation and explains some of the reasons why it can often work. She also offers some other alternatives in case you want more options! Watch the video to learn what this hack is and the different ways it can be applied!

Further Information: Coming soon!

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[SenseiJae]

I’ve never felt more connected to someone than when you said “I’m just used to life being hard”

[Kai-Xi]

"Have you ever thought if there's an easier way to do this?"
"No. I'm just used to life being hard"

[rebeccajesse]

So in pediatric/infant tachycardia (fast heart rate) codes they will dunk a baby or small child in cold water to bring their heat rate down! So yeah this technique is also used to save lives!

[just_sum_punk]

I have a similar water based hack: I took chill pill literally. I have a silicone candy mold from a halloween section of a store, they're shaped like little potion bottles. I put water and freeze them into ice cubes. When I feel the anxiety taking over: I pop a chill pill into my mouth and it stops the feeling of invisible tigers looming.

[Tobascodagama]

Makes sense, I splash water on the face all the time to deal with stress. The plastic bag is a much more clean and portable solution, though!

[morgan]

Frozen oranges also worked great not only for tipp, but if you’re dis-regulated and angry, you can pick at it! So while getting the benefits of it being cold and smelling good you can destroy something as well. 👍

[db]

Gel eye masks work great too. Just sitting here ruminating myself into a panic attack and saw this post. Now I know why I always feel calmer after I use my eye mask, I thought it was just from sitting with my eyes closed for twenty minutes. 😂 Thanks for the reminder! I’m running to the fridge rn ❤

[judyrobertson]

I am very grateful I found your channel. I started watching because of my adult children who were diagnosed as children but I was surprised how many of the symptoms were mine exactly. I'm also 80 and finally have recognized many of my own traits. Also got your book and so helpful. Thank you so much for all your work.

[pe]

DBT skills and emotional regulation is HUGE for ADHD 👏🏽 Idk why we don’t learn more about this!!
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING is always amazing!!

[Fatzombie]

I was recommended to eat a piece of warhead candy. The sour can snap you out of it for a couple of seconds and then you have the sweet that gives you a dopamine hit after.

[ajwillustratorauthor]

*buy funnel *
*lose funnel *
*find funnel *
*forget why I needed funnel *

[e]

I started sessions with a new therapist and I saw your book on their shelf...and I knew i was in the right place..i just wanted to let you know.

[cucumberwhale]

The water bag is clever! I have always hated the cold water splashing tip because it's kind of deaf towards makeup wearers. Having mascara run down my face is adding stress, not lessening it!

[anthonywheeler]

I hope you do more of these videos. However, if you're diabetic DO NOT stick your feet in the snow. I'm diabetic with a heart condition and have ADHD and a bunch mental health issues. Diabetes and extreme temperatures on your skin whether cold or hot are not good for us. So keep that in mind. Also diabetics have to protect our feet at all costs in general. Diabetes is weird like that haha

[joycependleton]

The rice sock can be stored in the freezer, so it's on hand for injuries or this cool temp anxiety hack. It will take 45 -90 seconds to warm in a microwave. (10 second intervals after the first 30) If it burns, it smells forever, so make a new one.
I always keep several rice bags in my freezer! Add dried lavender (relaxing) or other dried herbs such as rosemary (mental focus).
You just taught me about the cool/ diver effect! It sounds great, and I will share this with at least 7 people today!
Thanks for another good video!

[nathanbw]

We all need a Jessica in our lives. Super knowledgeable, very helpful, and funny as hell.

[adamhaggstrom]

This couldn't have been more timely for me.

My wife has recently been having intense anxiety attacks for the last week, and this is something we hadn't thought to try.

[EmEll-ibho]

Before I was prescribed a benzo for my panic episodes, I used cold to help me calm down enough so I could put my other anxiety management skills into play. Crowds of people are the usual cause, happening most frequently when shopping for groceries (at Walmart). So I would make a beeline to the frozen foods aisles and stick my whole head into the freezer. I know I looked a little unhinged but it helped... Though often people would check on me out of concern, which was the least helpful thing they could do, as people's attention causes my anxiety to spike.

There is another ADHD channel (ADHD Vision) where taking a cold shower was suggested to help boost dopamine levels. So it looks like you can do double duty with the cold temperatures. Awesome!

A caution with using the sock and rice in the microwave. If you decide to reuse your heating sock, you will get about 10 to 12 uses before things go a little South. Not going to say how I learned this, but more than that will end up with you burning a hole in the sock because the rice is actually cooking somewhat, especially if you're putting it against your skin (heat makes sweat). If you don't have any extra rice, you can use dry beans lentils with the same caution that I just gave for the rice.

Btw I love any of the video posts you make Jessica. Your channel and book are the reason I sought out a diagnosis. I am in a much better place than I was prior. You exemplify both a Brain and a Heart and I appreciate all your work!!! And congrats on your new addition to your family pod 😊❤

[Already.Forgotten]

Cold water to calm anxiety? I’m gonna jump into a freezing lake and call it extreme self-care 😅

[christineslocumbarry]

I live in the northeast US. When my mother was dying it was the dead of winter and my anxiety was through the roof. I would go outside and shovel and it was the only thing that gave me any relief.