Sit down and close your eyes. From there, you and your friend should focus on taking long, unrushed breaths, focusing in on the sound and the sensation of inhaling. [4] X Research source

Popcorn and snacks are a therapeutic addition to an activity like this as well. Check in with your friend and make sure they’re up to do the activity. They might need some time by themselves, and that’s okay![6] X Expert Source Nicole Moshfegh, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.

Alternatively, stay in and share a comforting meal. [8] X Expert Source Nicole Moshfegh, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.

For instance, you should try linking them to a funny video on YouTube. Text messages are a great distraction. There are plenty of online games you can recommend someone play.

Try to keep your story to the point. Offer details when you think it helps the person get a better idea of what’s going on, but make sure you don’t stay in one place for too long. [11] X Research source

If you’re really stumped for humour, you might try reciting a few jokes beforehand. That way, if nothing comes naturally to you, you’ll at least have something to try with.

For example, if your friend was recently in a traumatic car accident, you may want to avoid talk of anything automobile related, even if it’s something as innocuous as going to a drive-in movie.

You can always go back to something that really worked at a later point if the distraction needs to span the course of days.

By understanding the role of placebos, you should also know that they don’t work if the person is aware that you’re consciously trying to distract them. If they think you’re saying or doing something purely to keep their mind occupied, it’s not likely to be successful.

You should approach a follow-up carefully. Without making it obvious that you were intentionally trying to distract the person, you could say something along the lines of “How do you think you managed in hindsight?” Don’t reference yourself in any part of the question. This will make it seem like you had some active role to play in the distraction.