My Favorite Anxiety Hack EVER (to Self-Regulate)

[@SenseiJae]

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

[@rogueerised979]

I do try to find solutions which usually ends making the task harder than it was to start with 😅 Soooo ya

[@SpongiousBird]

Yep, I'm used to everything being hard, so I like to stick to the comfort of things being hard.

[@mfish1693]

Literally laughed out loud. I've never felt more seen.

[@SarahCbyneedleandthread]

@@rogueerised979me too but people don’t realize that I’m not trying to over complicate my life. I am truly trying to make it easier. 😢

[@rogueerised979]

@SarahCbyneedleandthread Same! I had that conversation with my sister once. Saying don't you think I would love it if I could make it simple and not over complicate. Its so difficult & hard, it sucks!!

[@Kai-Xi]

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

[@margotmolander5083]

Seriously, so much this. Also "Oh wow, this is super hard, no wonder it was giving you trouble." "Really? Usually it's just me."

[@lisawhitehall1870]

💙

[@rebeccajesse4604]

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!

[@joycependleton4117]

Wow!

[@markwhat3637]

Baptism is known for casting the demon out

[@everythingiseverything9920]

@@markwhat3637 girlwhat4748 ?

[@supercalafra]

@rebeccajesse4604 Carry some Amiodarone vials for panic attacks 🤣

[@kurtwinchell]

So, you're using the Diving Reflex "off-label"? Nice. That's probably why cold water on my forehead or face has always been an effective self-soothing technique for me, both psychologically, and when I'm physically ill. If I feel nausea, cold water on my forehead helps a lot. The colder the better, until it almost hurts... Edit: I commented before watching. I didn't realize that's what she was actually referring to 😅

[@ajwillustratorauthor]

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

[@jackielearnsandteaches]

The circle of life!

[@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.

[@jackielearnsandteaches]

“Invisible tigers looming” is a great metaphor lol! Potion ice cubes, eh? I want to see. 😆

[@skbee6]

How clever!!!

[@morgan8492]

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. 👍

[@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!

[@lindabarrientos8150]

I tend to to that too but haven't really noticed till this video

[@penniye]

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

[@rogueerised979]

Heck ya! Also sensory issues. Check out A buffet of sensory issues book By susan culp. Helps with adhd, autism or any one with sensory issues

[@disaidra]

I'm not surprised given DBT was partly created for people with borderline personality disorder, which for undiagnosed women with ADHD is a common misdiagnosis! The emotional regulation issues are definitely something that is shared between the two

[@judyrobertson9479]

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.

[@HowtoADHD]

awwwww you're welcome!!!

[@cucumberwhale]

The water bag is sooooo 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!

[@db3114]

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 ❤

[@HowtoADHD]

Ohhhhh nice!!!

[@stephaniebarrows5428]

So this is why I started splashing my face with cool water, in my 20s. I’m getting back into it. I feel better when I do. Like this video A LOT. Quick tips that give me a positive learning focus as I regulate/decompress or transition from one activity to another. (Hello , AuDHD.)

[@bookhuggah]

Oh! You just helped me make a connection. I have always been able to get relaxed with anyone working on my body ( massages and other stuff, except for privates areas, even mouth doctors can make me feel really relaxed). I have no idea what that was before. But now I see that it could be the laying still for a length of time and then engaging with whatever is happening enough with gentle curiosity and deep breathing too. They have also usually had cool temps in their offices, so part of this too. Neat/oh!

[@xladyfayre]

I use a frozen ice mask for my chronic migraine. Never thought to use it for this. Usually when I’m anxious, which is a lot- I will put on music. It was my go-to when I was growing up and my parents were yelling at my sister. I’d go upstairs and blast music. I have no idea if it legitimately brings the heart rate down though. Music is legit hypnotizing for me. I hyper focus on it.

[@adamhaggstrom7598]

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.

[@0e0]

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.

[@CodeDusq1]

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

[@HowtoADHD]

LMAO just make sure it's not too cold that it stresses your body out instead! 🤣

[@joelb6360]

I LOVE the idea of Extreme Self-Care. Why not hire three masseuses for the same time and room?

[@375dash]

In all seriousness, open water swimming is, reliably, one of the best self-care things ever for me. Unfortunately geography doesn't permit this to be a regular solution.

[@DaveE99]

@@HowtoADHDor do an internal ice bath and just go with it but to step out you drink hot tea

[@michel_laforge]

Finland kind of made this a core part of its identity, just sayin'!

[@nathanbw7391]

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

[@joycependleton4117]

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!

[@RivLoveshine]

Now how does the lavender and rosemary work? I assume it has to do with smelling it?

[@user-d0g35]

Good tips, ty!

[@joycependleton4117]

@RivLoveshine Yes, exactly! It's the aroma that affects our senses. If you heat it, that makes it a bit stronger. I sometimes use rosemary oil on my shirt collar, or my temples. It's great! I'm sure there are many other herbs & essential oils that work, those are the first 2 that came to mind. Check if you have pets, some oils that are helpful to us are harmful to them.

[@RivLoveshine]

@@joycependleton4117 well that sounds like a lovely idea. If I had a normal sense of smell like others do, then I'd try this.

[@Moraenil]

@@RivLoveshine Same here! There's not much I can smell, and most of what I can is purely awful!

[@Fatzombie086]

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.

[@jmaessen3531]

No way! I've been taking sour patch kids on flights because I realized they helped but didn't know fully why! 🤓 Thanks! 🎉

[@blackrelicrabbit]

YES! I just posted this and then saw your comment at the top. This is my favorite way to deal with panic attacks.

[@BeeWhistler]

So everyone thought it was so weird that I used to eat lemons and other sour things, but it turns out I was self-medicating? That said… pretty sure I also wrecked my stomach doing tht so proceed with caution. These days I eat Icebreakers fizzies. They only have one flavor so far but it’s sugarless and has a little pop of sour.

[@rogueerised979]

Omg is that why? I knew i loved sour candy because distracting but didn't realize thats why. Double benefit. Ko! But lots them have artifical colors or red or blue coloring so have stopped 😢

[@lisawhitehall1870]

Hmmm🤔

[@christineslocumbarry304]

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.

[@kbeamishbrown]

thank you! for the useful information and also for not editing out your authenticity! i’m a teacher with adhd and often say things in the classroom that i worry make me seem unprofessional. your videos remind me that being professional doesn’t require hiding your process or your humanity. this video is so much better than one where you (appear to) think of the funnel ahead of time would have been!

[@jackielearnsandteaches]

“Being professional does not require hiding your process or your humanity“ 💯

[@EmEll-ib6ho]

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 😊❤

[@anthonywheeler2082]

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

[@amanday3103]

Just want to engage with this so more people might see it

[@anthonywheeler2082]

@@amanday3103 Thank you!

[@mmortensen5598]

So true.

[@Aroacerat]

Yup

[@amandamiura4590]

Rice sock also has an added bonus of being a mini weighted blanket. For my chronic pain my wife made me a throw pillow sized polar fleece critter stuffed with rice and some herbs and spices that works just like a large rice sock

[@bookhuggah]

Thanks for sharing this, I can definitely relate, and I can make it happen in my life too.

[@ronlloyd9703]

This channel has help not only me but so many more people i know. I recommend this to everyone who says they have ADHD. i want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@Acceleronics]

Another 'regulate your body' suggestion from my therapist was to hug myself. My autistic male engineer brain response was, of course, "You've got to be kidding!!!" She said it works more or less the way warm and cold work. Supposedly, the body's touch receptors register the hug and the brain associates being hugged with calming down. I've always reflexively backed away from hugs, so this method didn't work for me. But it's worth a try!

[@rogueerised979]

Get a weighted blanket. Same thing. They have weighted stuffed animals you can hug

[@KellyDsWorld]

It’s using pressure points to help with sensory input

[@surispliffs6608]

Hey from France, Jessica your video about ADHD saved my life Some years ago. I found out your channel by your video " ADHD and relationship" this one give me enough courage to see an Psy. And now i feel sooo better. Thanks you, i love your books !

[@mariecompernolle2322]

Ok this is totally unrelated but I just saw you in “Mr. Monk goes to group therapy”. You have no idea how excited I got when I saw you. I didn’t know you were an actress. Btw love your videos.

[@thatawesomegeekykid]

I have a bead filled eye mask thing that lives in the fridge - I’ve used it a few times, but never really caught onto the fact that it always calms me down. Thanks for making this connection for me

[@v3satanaS]

My 🧠 has some rather extreme Anxiety that I’m on medication for, this is already helping, TYSM to you, your family & everyone who’s part of your team❣️

[@NovelNovelist]

YES! Thank you! Wow! I've always known about the bowl of water thing too and it's like...No. That's inconvenient and unpleasant from a sensory perspective. This is so much better and more accessible!

[@johnwaynemcclung8056]

I was pacing in the middle of watching this video on TV (I typically pace when anxious -- in the case due to a work issue), so I went grabbed an ice pack from my freezer, put it on my eyes and forehead and "dunked" my head down. I no longer feel the need to pace and feel much calmer! Nice hack!! Thanks!

[@thisusedtobemyrealname7876]

I have ADHD and recently started to take cold showers. First once per day now 2 times a day. By cold showers I mean the coldest you can get from the faucet. My tips for the cold shock which is unavoidable: start with your neck, shoulders and back. That is where the cold shocks will hit you the most and when you manage that rest of the body parts can be done easier. During the cold shock, focus on keeping your breath steady like your life depends on it! It is kind of a meditation although you have to concentrate very hard to keep your breathing steady during the initial cold shocks, after that it will get easier. Try to stay in around 20-30 seconds at first, after that you can stay for up to 3 minutes. The benefits are great and last throughout the day for me. Less anxiety, less chaos inside my brain, easier to focus. I am medicated too but cold showers complement my medication nicely, especially during the evenings (that is why I switched to 2 cold showers per day, one in the morning one right after I get home from work). If you have a hard condition, talk with your doctor first if cold showers are a good idea but for everyone else they are perfectly safe and free!

[@sonja_rademacher]

This can be extremely dangerous for peope who suffer from heart diseases, blood pressure issues or other stuff. Don't do this! If you want to take a cold shower, first ask your doctor. If he says yes, you can start with your right foot, right calf, left foot, left calf, right knee, left knee. Read about Kneipp'sche Bäder or Kneippkur.

[@bobby3eb]

Wim Hof breathing method goes hard for this. ice cold doesn't affect me after doing it.

[@Moraenil]

It depends on where you are though too on how cold to make it. Where I am in Colorado, the cold water is actually colder than an ice pack. When I sprained my ankle, I iced it initially in the running cold water in my tub until it was so cold it was more painful than the sprain itself, so that's when I quit. It only took a couple minute to get to that point as well. When we do cold water laundry, we actually start filling the washer with hot water (only a couple inches to start) before switching to cold so it tempers the cold a little without going full on warm. So be sure you have a tolerable level of cold water before going full on cold shower. I love the cold, and I can't tolerate more than a minute of full on cold water especially in a shower. The cold water's just too cold. Yet when I lived in Texas for a while, the water there never was cold enough to even drink without putting it in the fridge for a few hours at least. I often took cold showers there in the summer just to cool down.

[@veganryori]

Water isn't free, also if you have an electric shower even if it's not heating the water it's still using electric so not free. Might wanna remove that from your comment

[@amalia4842]

One thing I love to do is go on a hike or go to the beach and swim in the cold water :)) makes me so happy

[@ClothedLilies]

Yes! Casual talk videos help my brain focus so much better. If someone starts reading from a script or prepared speech, my brain just checks out. I love science, so thanks for the links to help with a deeper understanding.

[@michaellorettahaines1898]

Loved it! I have diagnosed ADHD, my 7yr old grandson appears to as well. This tip is magic for littles! More! MORE! MOARRR😂

[@nocturn9x]

Hmm, I'm gonna have to try this trick! Had an exam today and my anxiety was through the ROOF. I usually use ice packs for head and muscle aches (I have one in my legs right now actually 😭), but I never considered trying it for anxiety too!

[@HowtoADHD]

Love a good ice pack!

[@nocturn9x]

​@@HowtoADHD yup!

[@charlyheather1822]

I love the diving skill, and have done it ....about twice in my life. Because, as you say: it's kind of awkward getting a bowl full of cold water in a messed-up situation, and you can't really prepare it in advance for emergencies. I love the idea of just filling a plastic bag with cold water!

[@Amelia-pp4wm]

Pro tip: if you keep a pretty scarf at the office, it's very good at disguising your rice sock! Mine are dedicated knee socks so I can properly drape them around my neck. When my anxiety attacks were at their worst, I also used my tea mug as a comfort tool at work. I could make my quadruple-strength chamomile or peppermint tea and rest the mug against my sternum with one hand. That way, I could feel something solid and warm against my chest (where my anxiety tends to set up shop) while inhaling the scent and feeling the steam on my face. And if someone walked by, it just looked like I was absentmindedly paused while drinking my tea. I'll definitely be using the water bag trick. That looks incredibly handy for being out and about!

[@StrayBardArt-offical]

“Since when do we do things the easy way” - exactly 💯

[@zupergurkan]

I really appreciate quick tips and the science behind them, especially about anxiety!

[@Clarity126]

You've come a really long way, Jess!! I'm really proud of you. I love your added voices and techniques. Quality content!! This hack really seems like a game changer. I struggled with cold water bc the face wet issue too! Makeup!! You go girl!! Keep growing! I believe in you. You *easily* earned a share with this one!! Love it!!

[@nancycy9039]

Awesome video! Thanks!! Be careful not too leave that rice sock in the microwave too long. I once started a fire by overheating mine. It began to smolder w wisps of smoke coming out!😱 Good thing microwaves work on timers. I set mine for toooo long, so listen to Jessica’s advice of 30-40 seconds only.

[@alexisscholtes1206]

I recently bought a cold pack for my neck (brand is Dr chilly I think?) and it's made of a material that freezes at 65F so it's not painfully cold! It's been helping my POTS and my anxiety so much.

[@baejay798]

Please make more videos like this! This is perfect timing, had a panic attack yesterday for the first time in months and before that it's been years. Trying out a new anti-anxiety med actually ironically caused it.

[@Sapphireice8]

I've always run cold water over my wrists and washed my face with cold water.. but I really like this tip, thank you

[@TanyaRealMusic]

I actually enjoyed you casually talking and being honest

[@JasonTroy]

Thanks!

[@HowtoADHD]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@clarapena1484]

Perfect timing Im going trough a lot

[@HowtoADHD]

awwwww I'm sorry to hear that I hope this tip can help

[@rachaelc2245]

Great idea, I spent many hours yesterday in a panic attack and didn't know how to interrupt it. I'm so glad I saw this video for more tools in my toolbox. I really like this casual format too. It feels like we're having coffee together and chatting. Thank you! ❤

[@annteather2826]

I have long hair and even though is is very thin causes me to be overwhelmed by heat in the summer, so I put my hair in 2 plaits in summer and the parting running through the middle of my head helps the heat to dissipate (I suppose the hair being tight to the head with no air pockets helps too). I can put the palm of my hand on the back of my head and almost burn my hand when very hot!

[@SebbieSaurus22]

Thank you for mentioning that warmth is an alternative! I am literally always cold, so adding more cold is not likely to help my anxiety. But I do notice that showers (which I usually run fairly hot) help with my anxiety, so I'll try some other tricks with warm things to see if they help!

[@hayleybaycreative]

This makes a ton of sense! Chewing ice has helped me a lot with panic attacks or thought spirals

[@sueraby7656]

Loving the casual, authentic, relaxed video. Relate to putting oranges in the freezer, and socks in the kitchen.

[@R.F.9847]

For a super-cheap ice pack, soak some paper towels in rubbing alcohol (70%) and seal it in a recloseable plastic bag. When water freezes, it gets stiff, but frozen rubbing alcohol remains flexible. It does thaw fairly quickly, but it should last long enough to serve its purpose, then back in the freezer it goes!

[@olayinkaoyo]

Thanks for the tips on TIPP.😊 I plan to share this with my son.

[@SN-sz7kw]

Thank you! I started cold showers to deal with chronic pain. When I’m on a decent routine (we know how that goes), I start the day with a hot shower to loosen up my muscles, etc. Then I finish with cold, cold, cold. I started small with my feet & worked up to it. Now I look forward to it because of the energy & mood boost. I step out with a terrific sense of wellbeing & focus - something elusive to me with ADHD. Never made the connection to squashing anxiety - which is a real problem. I’ll pay closer attention to that now & see if cold shower days are lower anxiety days. Or if a cold shower can interrupt a severe episode. It certainly is grounding! 😂 Might get cooling scarves for my daughters to try for exams, etc.

[@bilemcin]

When you said that cold water in the face help i remember that i usually use ice to ground my self, when i don't have ice i try to find a very cold surface and press my self in it. But i remember that when i was younger, i used to go to clubs to dances with friends, a thing that i very much hate, but I wanted to do something that was "cool", and i used to order a lot of drinks with so much ice in them, and spend most of the night eating it our rubbing it in my face. The memorie just popped in my head. I love when i find those intuitive choices that we make and they are very good ideas

[@MorriganJade]

When you started with the water to your face, I instantly knew it was gonna be TIPP. It's amazing!

[@UneLore]

Such a smart way of getting the cold without having to get wet - I've used wet hand towels or put said wet towels in the freezer for a bit to help regulate my body temp (especially during these extreme heat spikes we've been getting here in Sweden during our summer months in the last few years), never thought about using them for my anxiety. So thanks for suggesting it and I'd love more videos like this.

[@DavidSmith-vz9uu]

Amazing, I've always done this without knowing like for example I would turn my pillow over so the cool side exposed to the air would touch my face when I'm sleeping with the pillow over my head, and I would always feel calmer getting in a cool swimming pool in the summer which is some of the best hydrotherapy for me but sadly I haven't had a swimming pool for 17 years because I have lived in a townhouse due to cost for half my lifetime. But I will try this sandwich bag filled with cold water hack.

[@bethiciaprasek1008]

I likely don't formally have ADHD. Ordered your book because I think it will help me. Told 2 coworkers that they could borrow it. Coworker then accidentally hit her eye with a stack of several papers. No injuries, but it made us laugh once we knew she was okay. Shiny objects (distractions) anyone? Other coworker apologized for not paying attention explaining that she cannot multi-task. Will definitely bring book to work.

[@maartenvonk523]

I also have a favourite anxiety hack! It's called a weighted blanket and it's also scientifically proven to help with ADHD. I would love for more brains to know about it. Maybe you guys could look into it and put it in a future video!

[@lil.ikuraa]

Hi Jessica! I’m reading a chapter of your book every day to contribute toward my local library’s summer reading challenge. I love that your book reads like your videos! It’s a familiar format and I’m enjoying my reading sessions. I swear I make an ice pack every day 🤣 especially in the summer time. Can’t wait to see the rest of the anxiety hacks!!

[@peterbathum2775]

thanks, as ever ,for the ideas for self help

[@christinan9989]

I’m going through it and have been icing my skin to deal with a an awful drug reaction for the last 10 days. I literally already had the ice pack in bed with me before I started watching this video haha. Ps. Love your humor, judgement free quips (of course there is a sock in my kitchen), and “therapeutic use of self”. Also thanks for not trying to sell me anything and not making me wait to the end to hear your best hack. This is ADHD information that is actually structured to be delivered to my adhd brain.

[@LyricJenn]

Re: rice into sock w/out a funnel & reduce mess potential, put the open end of sock completely over open bag of rice & slowly let rice flow into sock. You can also keep the rice filled sock in fridge/freezer for a cooling method 😊

[@annelissett1178]

My daughter’s counsellor recommended the cold water concept /dive reflex for when she needs to self-regulate, but my daughter didn’t feel like it would be very feasible at school, and she doesn’t like putting her face in water without goggles. This is a GREAT alternative idea and I will see what she thinks!

[@videovuer]

Great hack! I go to the pool & have been rehabbing an injury in the hot tub. Afterward, it's been hard to bring my heart rate down. There's a cold water fountain. I can fill a plastic bag & put it on my neck. Wonderful! Thank you! ❤

[@Scott-du2cg]

I took DBT therapy, and they teach uou that skill . I recommend DBT therapy it's amazing. 😊😊

[@GoADHDGo]

4:19 I’ve been a huge fan of the “rice sock” for many-a-years. It’s also great for sinus headaches. Pro Tip: brown rice is best for extra moist heat.

[@roberttolbert7002]

For me, if something is easy, I don't trust that I did it right.

[@Arkylie]

For soft ice packs, I like the blue cloth one from Ace Bandage -- it's soft and moldable and I rely on it a lot during the summer, including for cooling me enough to sleep. Also, there are these little water-absorbing beads you can sew up into a cloth tube -- using a TINY AMOUNT of the beads, as they swell IMMENSELY (and btw never put this in the washer, if they bust out they're bad for the washer) -- and then wear as a neck-tie. Just soak in water until they're swollen, then maybe stick in the freezer for a bit too. Great stuff when it's hot out. Oh, and I love frozen grapes! They're like mini popsicles and healthier than frozen sugar water.

[@Ihadnofirst]

With DBT they say to hold your breath while getting your face cold, it really works. It's so helpful. I've also used the cold packs. However, the idea of using a plactic bag is a great idea. I'll have to give it a try.

[@lydianici1696]

yay new video!

[@SunWorshipper290]

I like that your videos are so short. It probably took a lot of training and effort

[@propositionjohnston]

Thanks Jessica, you’re a legend! 😊

[@kathleennewbern480]

I love these quick things to try.

[@jude4896]

Thank you for the video. I have MS. I found cooling cloth just some watter from your watter bottle. And through evaporation cooling, you. Heat intolerance is a very common symptom of MS for many on their journey.

[@ashcraft555]

I've started the menopause recently and discovered wearable temperature control devices. They look like a watch but go on the inside of your wrist, then you can turn them either hot or cold with a push of a button. I got it for hot flashes but discovered it works great for anxiety as well. Just press the cold button and help stop the physical symptoms. The water in a bag is definitely more cost effective, but less convenient to use at work or a social event.

[@theslenderchick1797]

Yes! I would love more videos like this! Call em Bad Brain Busters or something like that!

[@MB-qp5ge]

I've been using cold things to ground myself for a while, I didn't know/think about the heart rate slowing down as well. When in public places, running your hands and wrist under cold water is subtle if you're self-conscious about people seeing you do some of the other things in the video

[@gloria.R.7286]

really liked this video. i think the short and sweet format (with more or less only one point) was really nice and easy to remember, and I really like that new angle and that shirt style on Jessica! In my opinion it makes her somehow seem more confident when explaining the subject matter!😄

[@sydneythiessen4965]

I like to sew cold/hot packs with flax seed inside! Flax seeds can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer, and the feel great, and hold up to long term use.

[@RockandRollsince1992]

That's important for me, I cannot influence my own thoughts, this way I want to find physical actions to calm my body and let the brain follow.

[@xrockangelx]

Yup! I use ice packs during my therapy sessions sometimes to help keep me from getting overwhelmed so that I can work through certain things for longer. I also use them and cool wet rags for nausea when ginger products just don't quite cut it.

[@puppypoet]

Is that why water and a cold soda can calm me down pretty quickly? Oh, and I love this style of video!

[@Heothbremel]

If you put rice in a sock (Or make a little rice pillow by sewing) you can add some lavender seeds to add extra soothing :D (this also works with feed corn, but that's crunchier, and both types are also useful if you get cramps regularly) 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 I like this much better, I knew about the Diver's reflex but also, dunking my face in water just doesn't seem great. It gets everywhere and then Also, I am Wet. Not my favorite. But this seems to be less messy and more doable, and also it being less than Ice packs means it's more portable too and reusable!! I love it.

[@TheNotEvilPenguin]

I like the clever ideas, and weirdly am almost looking forward to the next time the anxiety hits so I can try some. I also loved the more off the cuff humour - I can really relate to 'just used to life being hard' and 'sock in the kitchen'.

[@br4nfl4k3s]

Great info! There's also some old data about a neurological reset that happens when you drastically change your head position or lay down on the floor. I don't do it often because the four senses exercise helps me drastically.

[@lifaen]

Thank you so much for this, I saw this yesterday and today I woke up with headache with tension around my eyes and this really helps

[@kathrynharring8270]

It's literally perfect timing. I missed 2 flights due to weather today

[@HowtoADHD]

Oooof, that's not fun.

[@camilapineiro1231]

noted! thank you!! will try!

[@HowtoADHD]

Let us know how it works for you!

[@Meagan-Renee]

I can add one in the fruit category... a friend used to recommend heating up a lime, just like the rice bag (and also like the rice bag be careful not to over do it and burn yourself), then rolling the lime on your arms, legs, back of your neck. You get the benefit of the warmth, the good smell of the lime which will linger on your skin, and a bit of a light massage from rolling the fruit across your skin. It helps.

[@OpossumPiper]

I love this format. I really appreciate the deep dives, but this is a great way to mix it up

[@indigoziona]

The idea of putting my face into cold water always puts me off but a bag of cold water is a great idea!

[@dwhite1695]

Thank you

[@AylaNova86]

The timing of this video is eerie, but in the BEST way. I'm trying to make changes in my life because I feel like I've been stuck for a while, but while I've made progress with finding strategies for my ADHD (some credit of which goes to your channel and book!), I feel like I've hit a wall with my anxiety, which causes me to procrastinate/avoid doing the next step, which causes me MORE anxiety plus self-hate for knowing exactly what I'm doing, but feeling unable to change course. Today so far has been more of that, and I've been wondering how to at least start slowing down the spiral (without the Xanax, because I want to retain the energy to move). This may not be the ultimate solution, but I think it may help shift things a bit. Thank you for all the advice, and reminding me that I'm not the only one.

[@mmb-oficial2639]

For a matter of getting thermal shocked, take care with this one, but can be really nice if you live in a high temp country. I used a cold thermal pouch and seams to work, but I only tested once.

[@thatguymark2492]

I read the thumbnail as “best anxiety attack ever” and immediately clicked then later realized it said hack 😭

[@DwayneTheMomJohnson]

I read it the same way 😅

[@aYTaccount]

Literally the same 😂

[@thatguymark2492]

@@DwayneTheMomJohnson I love your username

[@DwayneTheMomJohnson]

@@thatguymark2492 my kid called me it once and it stuck! Lol

[@j_emceee]

Same! Came to the comments knowing I couldn't have been the only one 😅

[@jo_she_da]

This explains so much. I often allow myself to get cold and I somehow enjoy it. I've never been able to explain it. And if I need to calm down bc I'm about to cry, I go right outside (if it isn't summer time)

[@DwayneTheFoolosopher]

Love the dbt nod.