When I'm in a situation that I feel uncomfortable with I start trying to name as many of one thing in a head that I can: presidents, types of birds, breeds of dogs, farm animals, things that begin with the letter m or b or q or d. By taking my mind off of what's going on I find it easier to deal with everything. When that doesn't work I try to do things in small steps. Example: Thing that is causing stress or anxiety - Go to the meeting. Instead I focus on: catching a cab. Telling the cabby where to go, focusing on the drive. Go up the steps. Go down the hall. I only think about the things I'm doing.
