Anxiety can be a peculiar illness, in that you never truly know when it may strike, so to speak. It’s a mental illness that manifests itself in triggers and previous experiences that come back to bite every now and then. It can be provoked by the tiniest of things, and it never comes by routine. While there are many ways to cope and deal with anxiety, here are a few that you may not have thought of:

1. Spend time with animals.

If you’re an animal lover spending time at your local animal shelter, or cuddling up with your favorite pet, might be a good way to relieve some anxiety. Animals, such as dogs or cats, can provide stress relief—even just holding or petting an animal can help calm your nerves. Not only do they provide a calming and peaceful environment, but they offer distraction and a listening ear.

2. Light a candle.

Take time to find the perfect candle, with a scent that relaxes you and puts you in a less stressful place. As a candle lover, I spend way too much time in my local Bath and Body Works picking out the best candles to soothe my anxiety and bring a sense of home to my room while away at college. For me, even just watching the flame flicker back and forth can be calming and channel better breathing.

3. Make time for yourself.

Our lives are busy with an abundance of tasks and responsibilities, social endeavors, and more—it’s important to make time for yourself. I always make a point of scheduling “me-time” during the week so I have a chance to sit with myself and reflect on myself and my mental health. Taking the time to check in with myself has helped decrease my anxiety significantly.

4. Find an adult coloring book.

Recently, adult coloring books have become a sort of fad, particularly amongst millenials. These detailed and intricate pages can help calm anxious minds and allows you to focus in on the present. They can bring about mindfulness and even produce a meditation-like state for many people. For me, coloring helps me zone out for a little while and gives me a good distraction for the time being.

5. Clean your space.

When I get anxious, I turn my attention to cleaning my room and this gives me a sense of control. I will literally move the furniture around until I feel more at peace—just ask a few of my housemates. Having a clean space can also help give you clear head space and allow you to process your anxiety without worrying about the disorganized state of your room.

These are just a handful of unconventional ideas to reduce and relieve anxiety, and there are many more. Have any other unusual or less renown coping mechanisms? Comment your ideas below!