That sounds great. I remember the method of naming 5 things I can see etc. and that also is a great way of calming down.
I've tried things like colouring or audio books (Meditation) before too and it's definitely relaxing. The thoughts just don't go away, they're always in the back of my mind and just wait to attack agsin. I really really want this to stop, I can't think straight anymore. I just want something to make it stop