The power of a special interest

It never ceases to amaze me the effect that a special interest/something familiar can have. I was having a really wobbly weekend. My anxiety was sky high and my mood wasn't great. I couldn't concentrate on anything because my mind was going a million miles an hour. There was nothing I wanted to do and nothing on TV that remotely interested me. I decided to put a Harry Potter film on. Harry Potter has been a special interest for many years and the films can be a source of comfort. (Admittedly not always, sometimes they irritate me for being from the books). This time the impact was immediate and profound. My body instantly relaxed, my mind stopped racing so badly and I felt so much better. There was still some anxiety etc but at a far more manageable level. It amazes me that a film can have this level of impact.

Does anybody else find their special interest can help them in this way? What is your go to when you're having a bad day?

Parents
  • For me it doesn't work this way. If I'm nervous or anxious,  I have my ways of stiming or i go out for fresh air and listen to music or cover my ears depending on what i need - music or silence. But getting busy with my interest gives me a lot of joy, it has its own taste and is deep and I can't stop doing my favourite thing, or thinking about it even if I'm not working on it anymore. 

Reply
  • For me it doesn't work this way. If I'm nervous or anxious,  I have my ways of stiming or i go out for fresh air and listen to music or cover my ears depending on what i need - music or silence. But getting busy with my interest gives me a lot of joy, it has its own taste and is deep and I can't stop doing my favourite thing, or thinking about it even if I'm not working on it anymore. 

Children
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