When experiencing pain or distress, the DBT skill of IMPROVE the moment is a distress tolerance skill that can help by changing the way you think about the situation or yourself, changing physical sensations of stress (e.g. practicing tension and relaxation techniques), and engaging your mind in an effective way.
Often, it’s difficult to focus on the present moment. In this tenuous time, anxious thoughts can distract us from what is currently going on in our lives. Mindfulness is an essential practice for anxious times. It helps us combat anxiety and maintain a level head so that we can make effective decisions.