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 making lists/excel spreadsheets of things of interest calms me. I can spent hours putting stats/specifications of mountain bikes, car stereos, computers, hifi and home cinema stuff even if im not looking to buy something.

    I find the research and numbers/stats calm me and relax me.

  • Now I do like an excel spreadsheet and I do agree that if I'm making one, I can't spend hours on it and it will occupy my brain which has a calming effect. However, I can't just make them just because. I'd have to have a reason to make it. It'd need a purpose. And I don't often have need for one so it's a limiting strategy.

    Great that they help you to relax though.

Reply
  • Now I do like an excel spreadsheet and I do agree that if I'm making one, I can't spend hours on it and it will occupy my brain which has a calming effect. However, I can't just make them just because. I'd have to have a reason to make it. It'd need a purpose. And I don't often have need for one so it's a limiting strategy.

    Great that they help you to relax though.

Children
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