If you’ve just experienced something stressful – quick – go play a video game. A study from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario found that distracting yourself right after a stress-producing event – like a job interview, or a test, or the boss yelling at you – dials down activity in the area of the brain that processes that event. The result: You block the worry from taking hold and settling in. Other distraction techniques that can reduce anxiety? Online shopping, or watching a favorite TV show. But the activity has to be mentally engrossing for it to work.

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