copeswipe

    copeswipe

    Anxiety
    Depression
    Stress
    ⚡ Quick

    Leaves on a Stream

    Anxiety illustration

    Visualize placing each difficult thought on a leaf and watching it float away down a gentle stream.

    Why it works

    ACT defusion technique — creates distance between you and your thoughts. You learn that you can observe difficult thoughts without becoming them.

    Step 1

    Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting beside a gently flowing stream. Leaves drift along the surface.

    Take about 1-2 minutes for this step.

    copeswipe has dozens of free, evidence-based coping skills for anxiety, panic, stress, sleep, and low mood.

    Explore more coping skillsLooking for a therapist? Find clinicians who use copeswipe

    In crisis? Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741.