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Things to Do When You Feel Restless

Restlessness always seems to appear at the worst time, like on vacation or when you have to wake up early the next morning. Causes of restlessness include excessive stress, ADHD, dementia and numerous other neurological and environmental conditions. Persistent and severe restlessness that disrupts your daily life requires medical advice, but for periodic bouts of stir-crazy, specific activities help alleviate the symptoms.

  1. Exercise

    • Drain your restlessness with intense or moderate exercise. Exercising releases endorphins in your brain that boost your mood and can help soothe your agitated mind. If you regularly exercise, your body expects this release and becomes restless without a sufficiently vigorous workout. Taking a 30-minute run at lunch or walking the stairwell during your coffee break expends restless energy and helps restore your body and mind to a peaceful state.

    Make a List

    • Last minute to-dos and work-related responsibilities promote restlessness. Unfortunately, you can't always begin tackling your to-do list at 11:30 p.m. at night or while riding the train in the morning. Reduce your restlessness by writing on paper all the tasks and reminders flying around your brain. Keep a small pad of paper on your nightstand and jot down last-minute reminders you think of before falling asleep. By recording these tasks on paper, you no longer have to remember a million notes yourself.

    Organize

    • Combat periodic restlessness by tackling small chores around your home. Engage in hands-on projects that occupy your body and mind. Choose small projects that won't consume your attention indefinitely, like laundry, vacuuming or reordering that bookshelf in the living room. If you're outside your home, find a garbage can and purge your wallet or purse of all expired coupons, gum wrappers and whatever else is disposable. Fight restless feelings while sitting in traffic by cleaning your car. Keep an empty trash bag and some cleansing cloths in the glove compartment.

    Mindful Relaxation

    • Instead of indulging your restlessness with more activity, focus your brain with mindful breathing and meditation. Sit up straight so your pelvic bones align with your spine and neck. Take deep breaths and contract and relax every muscle group from your neck and shoulders down through your toes. Tune out outside noise or distracting sounds by imagining a calm and peaceful environment.

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