Have not tried audio books, but reading doesn't work for me. My mind wanders off somewhere as I read... Amazingly spinning yarn does wonders to my stress and sanity level. It seems to help me to "let go." Exercise is great also -- it makes me feel better mentally and physically.
Hang in there. It'll get better.
Radio (or podcasts as others have said, but I like my radio so much that I'm often wondering if I'm missing out on something good if I listen to a cd or podcast), and exercise - a bout of intense exercise makes you feel so much better - specially if you manage to get some fresh air into yourself as well. I've not exercised for two weeks or so and feel decidedly c*** right now!
I agree with people above, when I need to get out of my head but can't sit and read or watch a screen, podcasts, NPR radio and books on tape really fill the bill. Get yourself a little mp3 player and fill it up with knitting podcasts or whatever you like. It even works for me at the dentist (and I'm a terrible baby)!
Once I'm alone I think things through to completion - to a point I can live with for the moment at least. Avoidance generally leads me to eating and that's not where I want to go. If something is prickly and hard but its something that is nonetheless real and what I'm going to have to accept I will tell myself that. Generally that lets me move on with other thoughts. Its amazing how much easier and more effective the process has become over time.
Podcasts are the way to go - I listen to a few good knitting ones - they keep me amused but now I've got a TV where I iron & sew I'm a bit behind with them!
Funny I can't listen to them and read anything on the PC!
Oh geesh, I've been there. People tell you, well just stop thinking about it. Easier said than done! I can't stress this enough, but if you don't already, I highly recommend exercise. Seriously, it does wonders for the mind. But enough unsolicited advice. I like to listen to NPR stories while I'm sewing. I also like to listen to podcasts (craftsanity) while I sew. Do you have a computer or ipod you can put in your sewing room while you sew? How about a book on tape? There's no shame in that. 
I like audio books for activities where tv or reading don't work.
Commenting by HaloScan
