I meant that if I need to distract myself from thoughts that are intrusive, yet aren't benefitting me, I do so by focusing on my environment and labeling the things around me. Coupled with some of the other tactics like focusing on my breathing, I find it's even more beneficial to mix the two together, because then I'm multitasking and making it difficult for the intrusive thoughts to find room as I'm already focusing on two different things. (I also have OCD, so I deal with a lot of intrusive thoughts that I know are irrational.)

So for example, right now I could look around my room and find many different things to label... Soda can, cup, speaker, container, bottle, plate, headphones, chair, etc. when I run out, I try to remember the order in which I labeled the things, which creates a challenge and further occupies my mind. And yes, I have a messy room right now that needs tidying and cleaning.