How to Use Distraction as a Helpful Tool

Many of us have been taught that distraction is always harmful - a way of avoiding our emotions and experiences. But what if there was a mindful, strategic way to use distraction as part of our emotional regulation toolkit?

In this gentle exploration of DBT's ACCEPTS system, we'll discover how to use:

Activities - that help ground us

Contributing - to others as a way to shift focus

Comparisons - that provide healthy perspective

Emotions - using different ones to regulate

Pushing Away - thoughts mindfully when needed

Thoughts - that serve as helpful anchors

Sensations - that bring us back to center

We'll explore:

• The important difference between harmful avoidance and strategic distraction

• A systematic approach to using distraction skillfully

• Seven evidence-based techniques for managing overwhelming moments

• How to honor your intuition while building emotional resilience

• Clear guidelines for knowing when to use these tools

This isn't about escaping our experiences - it's about having reliable skills for those moments when we need to regulate our emotional responses with kindness and wisdom.

Perfect for anyone who:

Feels overwhelmed by intense emotions

Seeks practical, science-based coping tools

Wants to build a healthier relationship with distraction

Needs clear guidance for challenging moments

We'll explore this material gradually and gently, always remembering to trust our inner wisdom about what works best for us.

Join us as we learn how to transform distraction from a potential problem into a mindful tool for emotional wellbeing.

Note: As with any emotional regulation skill, please be patient with yourself as you learn these new approaches.