Coping Strategy #10: State Changes, Showers And Butt Pinching

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you just didn’t know what to do with yourself? That sense of being trapped in a negative state can make everything feel much harder. In this podcast episode, we explored fun and practical ways to shift out of those draining moments. We covered everything from showers to butt pinching, sharing real-life tips that can help when life feels like it’s piling up.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the main ideas. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of worry or you’re simply curious about fresh strategies, this one’s for you. So let’s dive in and see how small changes in our day-to-day can spark a genuine sense of relief.

What Are “States” Anyway?

We all have different emotional states throughout the day, whether it’s calm, stressed, excited or something in between. When dyslexia or ADHD is in the mix, these states can go from zero to overwhelming in a flash. That’s why learning how to shift gears matters.

Sometimes those moments sneak up on us. We wake up feeling anxious or we notice our mood crashing mid-afternoon. Recognising these states early is the first step. It might be as simple as realising your shoulders are tense or your jaw is clenched.

Changing State with Simple Tricks

Even a small nudge can shift your mindset. For example, taking a different route on your walk. Or putting on a song that makes you tap your feet. These are small actions, but they have the power to change your focus.

Think of it like a quick palette cleanser for your brain. If you’re someone who tends to overthink, a gentle shuffle in your routine can help you reset. It’s almost like hitting a tiny “refresh” button.

From Showers to (Yes) Butt Pinching

“From showers to butt pinching I share what I do to change my state.”

“From showers to butt pinching I share what I do to change my state.”

Yes, you read that right. A quick pinch can break your focus on negative thoughts and snap you back to the present. Funny strategies can sometimes be the most effective. They create a jolt of surprise that helps your mind move away from the swirling worry.

Taking a shower is another example. Water has an amazing way of washing off tension. There’s something about the warm water on your head and shoulders that can shift a mindset almost instantly.

Finding Calm Through Mindfulness

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a big production. It can be as simple as sitting quietly for one minute and noticing something nearby. Maybe it’s the hum of your fridge. Maybe it’s the view from your window. Letting yourself rest in that moment can create a sense of calm.

Other helpful mindfulness tips include:

• Breathing deeply for a count of four, then exhaling for a count of four
• Picturing a place where you feel at ease
• Jotting a quick list of things you’re grateful for
• Using an app that offers short guided meditations

Little pauses like these can clear out the mental clutter. The aim is not to be perfect at it, but to recognise how taking one minute to breathe can change how you feel.

Bringing It All Together

When you discover a coping strategy that works, try to build it into your day. If you notice it helps to move around or hum a silly tune, do it. If cooling off in the shower resets you, make that a go-to when you need it.

Our lives are busy, and it’s fine if you don’t always get it perfect. Give yourself grace. The beauty of these small state-changing tricks is that they’re easy enough to fit into a hectic schedule.

• Even tiny shifts can break through stress
• Water can cleanse worry—yes, showers really do help
• Mindfulness doesn’t have to be fancy
• Lighthearted tricks (like a pinch) can distract your busy mind
• Experiment and find what feels right for you

Ready to hear the full discussion? Be sure to listen to the episode (the player is right at the top!) for more stories, tips and insights on how to get out of those pesky negative states. You’ll also find a bunch of other helpful podcasts waiting for you.

Looking for more support or curious to learn about your own dyslexia? Check out our quiz and join our special Facebook community at https://truthaboutdyslexia.com. If you’d like to help us keep this content coming, consider backing the podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/adultdyslexia. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!