What’s your “go to” method for a mental health reset?

I like to drive in the country. Sometimes loud music and sometimes no music. It depends on whether I need to forget or fix!

Knowing my links in the chain of when I start having issues. I try to recognize them and take action before I get to a point where I'm having to ride everything out.

Weeding the garden. It’s my quiet time. Nobody disturbs me when I’m ‘in the zone’.

I drive to an area out of town, like a state park, or a wooded area with trails, and find a quiet place to sit or lie down. I close my eyes and visualize calm water flowing, I listen to the sounds around me, like the birds chirping or the trees swaying in the wind, and I focus on my breathing. I try to use breathing techniques my therapist taught me, to slow down my heart rate and calm my thoughts.

I haven't done it enough, but I like to go fishing. Whether I catch a fish or not doesn't matter too much. The peace and quiet is what brings me to a "happy place". Catching a 6 pound bass, well that's just a bonus :)

I drive to an area out of town, like a state park, or a wooded area with trails, and find a quiet place to sit or lie down. I close my eyes and visualize calm water flowing, I listen to the sounds around me, like the birds chirping or the trees swaying in the wind, and I focus on my breathing. I try to use breathing techniques my therapist taught me, to slow down my heart rate and calm my thoughts.

I keep about 4 projects semi-complete @ most any given time. When I need a "reset" if that's what you wanna call it, I go to the most difficult thing I have going and finish it.

Walk outside

For me it's socializing. It used to be gaming, but I found that in person interaction and socialization greatly alters my mood, mental state, and how I talk. My favorite ways to socialize are by attending dance events such as swing, fusion, blues, etc... or my go to which is playing Magic: The Gathering at a local game store. Both offer socialization in a fun and welcoming environment that allows me to enjoy my favorite hobbies, mentally decompress, and socialize in a way that isn't stressful or negatively elevating.

A good book, an ice cold coke, a snack, and some country music.