When The Mind Is Too Much To Handle, Hypnotherapy Can Help
Do you ever have moments when you want to run from your own mind? It reminds me of a hard lesson some people learn when they move abroad, and realise they took themselves with them. A mind that’s too much to handle means something different to everyone, but there are some simple habits that you can bring into your life to help you feel in control.
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Daily Mind Processing Time to Feel in Control
Your mind feels like a swirling mess. Thoughts coming in and out so quickly that you find it hard to grab one and keep it there. Although this is sometimes a symptom of neurodiversity, it’s sometimes eased by taking some time each day to process your thoughts. I recommend twenty minutes, but there is little science to this, it feels intuitively right to me. If you need longer, take longer. If ten minutes works for you, take ten minutes.
Some people enjoy taking this time in the morning to prepare their mind for the day ahead. Ensure your time is without distraction. Just yourself, your thoughts, and a journal if writing things down helps. If you have access to a natural view, or the desire to sit outside amongst the rest of the natural world, this will bring even more nourishment.
Meditate Every Day
Meditation is a powerful way to train your brain and feel in control. Meditation is the practice of silencing your mind. Like all skills, your technique will improve with practise, and the more you meditate, the easier you’ll find it. I offer various meditation techniques in my blog post here. I recommend Jay Shetty’s book Think Like a Monk for further guidance.
If you feel like you can’t meditate because you struggle to stop your mind wandering, or you try to meditate for fifteen minutes a day for a week, and it makes no difference to your life, keep in mind that monks meditate for upwards of eight hours a day. Always trying to improve their practice. You don’t subscribe to that lifestyle, and there is no need to meditate for that long each day to achieve a calmer mind. However, be kind to yourself and view meditation as you would any other exercise. It’s easier the more you do it, and your technique will continually improve as you train – even if this is in small increments.
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Move with Nature Regularly
Most research shows a positive association between time spent in a natural environment and mental health. Anecdotally, the correlation is even stronger. Human beings form part of an ecosystem, it makes sense that we function better immersed in the ecosystem than when we separate ourselves from it by brick walls.
The natural world constantly moves, the breeze blows the leaves on the trees, the waves pull the marine life, the moon pulls the tides, and so on. Stepping into the natural world and joining its flow will help you in multiple ways. Try walking in the forest, watching the waves by the sea, meditating under the stars, camping around a fire, and swimming in the wild. Although it might not feel natural initially, you’ll soon reap the rewards.
Exercise Regularly
The human body expects a day of movement. Your ancestors foraged to survive. They built shelters to keep warm, and made weapons to protect themselves from danger. Despite none of these things being a necessary part of life in the developed world, your body has not evolved as quickly as technology. When you go throughout life with little movement, your body suffers. Research shows physical exercise helps with problem solving, thinking, learning, and reduces depression or anxiety.
When you move, your body releases feel good chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) into your brain, among others dopamine and serotonin. There is no need for intense exercise – although this has other benefits. A short walk or even laps of the living room is beneficial. Research shows that a higher intensity workout of thirty minutes will improve your ability to shift and focus attention for up to two hours! This will help you feel in control of your mind.
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Healthy Sleep Habits to Feel in Control
Sleep is important for so many reasons. Why we Sleep by Matthew Walker is a must read for anyone interested in this subject. When you sleep, your body clears up the mess from the day, consolidates learning, and generally gives you an all round polish up. Few of us prioritise sleep, we just kind of fit it in around doing all the things we need or want to do. Many people go to bed when they finally give in after an hour of dosing off on the sofa.
My blog post here gives some tips on healthy sleep habits. Ideally, you’ll have a bedtime that you prioritise, i.e., it stays the same every night, and you put that above other options. Some lifestyle habits will impede sleep. Make yourself knowledgeable on sleep hygiene, so you can get a solid night’s sleep every night. Improving your mental health and capacity to take on challenges.
I hope these five lifestyle tips will help you handle your mind in a way that feels easier. If you need further support, I offer everyone a free initial consultation, which is an opportunity to talk through what you find difficult and learn how therapy will help you feel in control of your mind.