This is just my way but.... When I'm struggling I don't distract. I stop and let myself feel angry sad confused pissed scared whater it may be. I really feel it and don't squash it or distract from it. Often I will put it on paper. Allowing myself to acknowledge my particular emotion and not justify it just feel it makes it pass. And then I can move on!
For me learning to feel process and access my emotional states has made me journey in sobriety quite rewarding.