I often rub my knuckles hard against my forehead when I'm trying to avoid a meltdown.
For me, rubbing my back and neck are the key. The lighter the better. I've always had my back rubbed in exactly the same way.. with a finishing move as I like to call it. lol Tickle, scratch, rub. The backrub is not over until you tickle it to make goosebumps, then scratch it evenly, then finally rub it evenly.