Episode 16: Intentional Distraction

When Checking Out Can be Skillful

11.10.25 | Skills | 31 min

We all avoid discomfort sometimes through distraction, which might look like scrolling, binge-watching, cleaning, or daydreaming when emotions feel too big. But not all distraction is bad. In this episode, we explore how to use distraction as a healthy distress tolerance skill—one that helps you calm down and regain control.

Drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we unpack the ACCEPTS acronym to utilize in moments when we can’t make the situation better and don’t want to make it worse. We talk about how to tell the difference between avoiding and intentionally stepping back, and how temporary distraction can reset your nervous system and bring you back to your values.

Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media.