India, Aug. 27 -- When your mind gets stuck on the same thought, trying harder to stop thinking about it can sometimes make things worse. Instead, a few unusual physical and playful activities may help break the cycle and give your mind a chance to settle. According to Psychologist Hiba Dahman Balfaqih, these ideas may sound strange at first, but the goal is simple: shift your attention, calm your body and create some distance from the thoughts that are taking over.

Try walking sideways like a crab for a short time. The unusual movement requires your brain to focus on coordination rather than replaying the same thoughts. It may feel silly, but that is part of the point. A simple change in movement can give your mind something new to focu...