I've found a couple of things that are not stim related, that may be useful to others.
I've noticed that I lift my shoulders when stressed or anxious, like with anticipatory anxiety. Sitting up straight, lowering my shoulders and taking a few deep breaths, breathing out for longer than breathing in, reduces it by at least half in seconds. The knot inside is much diminished. It is easy to tell if your shoulders are raised too, so it is a way to judge if something is bothering you too.
Lying in bed on my back, press palms together like praying. Does not need to be much pressure. You can do your feet as well if you want and your hips are up to it. Close eyes. Form my thoughts and whisper or quietly say what I am thinking. Saying it out loud, even if it takes a few iterations, gives shape to the issues. Do for a few mins or as long as you want/need. You may notice your hands kind of feel they have merged together. When finished tell yourself you are safe and it is ok to sleep. Do this 2 or 3 times. Put one hand on your heart and tell yourself you did the best you could at the time. You may be able sleep a little better.
