I’m not quite sure how to call this, but the closest thing I can think of is coping mechanisms. The purpose is to help you feel better in times of distress right ? Well, taking a look at that concept I was curious if anyone had some coping skills that physically manifest and seem to help. I have three — I wouldn’t call them “weird” but one I’m particular is a bit different I think:

Playing with my hands — I find myself squeezing my fingers together and rubbing my hands in a motion similar to washing them. The more upset I am the more I realize I do it and the harder I tend to squeeze.

Rocking — I process a lot by saying it out loud as if someone was there to listen. I notice a lot of the times I’ll start rocking myself as I talk about these things. I may even play with my hands at the same time:

Sleeping on the floor — this one I can’t really figure out when it started but I’ve done it for a long time. When I get really upset, especially when I feel the situation cannot be resolved no matter what I do, I tend to curl up in a ball on the floor and sleep.

So there are a few of my physical manifestations of trying to relieve distress. They are kind of personal to me, as in I feel a bit naked exposing them to you all but wanted to pose the question anyway.

If you’re comfortable sharing, do you have any physical things you do unconsciously or consciously when feeling distressed ? I’m curious to know.