I pace too! And it helps to calm your brain if you retrace the same steps. Lots of similar, self harm-less things can ease your mind, but they take a little more time than a bite to the arm. Putting objects in a familiar order, like numerical or size, gets your brain into trends it can recognize. Your brain is happier with the patterns and it's an easier transition out of the chaos we create for ourselves when we don't feel good.

You could try something like organizing the shirts in your closet by color. If you're still not distracted, try sleeve length. Or you can try putting all those receipts (that somehow end up in your purse or pocket no matter how many you have thrown away) in order by the transaction date. If you're able to sit still for long enough, try a puzzle.

Believe me, I've tried my fair share of interesting techniques too. But training your mind with patterns is definitely a safer way!!