I think what works for me is to have a small ritual. That is my structure, my distraction. It is something that keeps me focused on the now. Not the past or the future, the now. Sometimes, it involves temporary escape, a distraction.

Here at Psych Central Forums, I have used the games forum to get me distracted towards a calm place. I have concentrated on something from outside my emotions and focused my energies on respite of calmness, somewhat like a meditation.

Take what you like and leave the rest behind.