Since I discovered this site, I distract myself by coming here.
Prior to joining this community I used to distract myself by listening to guided meditation. My favourite meditation tracks involve the motion of the ocean or autumn leaves falling to the ground. Imagining the ebb and flow of clear, salt water, or the soft cradle of leaves in the wind takes my mind off unpleasant things.
Generally thoughts connected with the natural world have a calming effect on my psyche. When someone says Think happy thougths I think of a tree :-)