We’ve all seen the headlines – the shootings, the supreme court rulings, gas prices, discrimination against farmers, supply chain demand issues – and the chaos of it all can feel all-consuming. I want to encourage you to mentally step away from all the things in life that are stressing you to detox your thoughts and bring peace to your body.
One of the most empowering skills to develop is how to take control of your own mind by freeing yourself from unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Reframing your mind won’t make these important issues go away, but it will help you find some contentment while you navigate through them.
Here are a few tips I use to do this in my own life:
1. Start every morning with meditation
I know you’ve heard the word meditation many times. While it sounds fancy, it just means to set your mind on an intention. I separate prayer from meditation. However, it can be prayer (for some), a mantra you say to yourself for encouragement, silence to just be, or even goal setting so you feel empowered to accomplish what you envision.
Whatever method you choose, try replacing social media, e-mails and obligations at the start of your day with quiet time set aside just for you.
2. Take breaks
Whoever had the idea to make naps mandatory for preschoolers but not adults had life all backwards. The truth is we are not machines. Our bodies are designed to only take in a certain amount of information and stress a day. Don’t push yourself past your natural threshold of exhaustion by overworking and overthinking yourself to death. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day.
Sometimes I go for walks, sit outside and eat my favorite snack, listen to music or read a chapter of a good book to break up my day. It’s hard to break away from the grind but my body always thanks me when I do.
3. Disengage with the media (social media, the news, the internet)
It’s important we stay connected and in tune with the world to know what’s going on, but we don’t need to be locked into our phones 24/7. The constant news cycle of doom and gloom has our bodies and minds in constant fight or flight mode, which is why we always feel so stressed – even when we don’t have to be.
I limit my time on social media to certain times of the day for certain periods of time and do not watch the sensationalized news. Figure out what time frame works best for you and stick to it. That way, you’re not overconsuming bad news and can be in control of what your mind is taking in.
We only get one life and living it to the fullest is important, but we can’t do that if we’re in a constant state of pain and panic. Be encouraged to take healthy steps toward being gentler with yourself and adopting a few of the habits I shared above so that you can enjoy more moments of joy in your life.
