Life can be overwhelming at times. Especially now during the COVID19 Pandemic. Faced with a whole lot of uncertainties surrounding our health, jobs, economy and life in general, we tend to become more stressed and restless in the process. The noise in our minds result to distractions (and at times, self-destruction), unproductiveness, feeling mentally, emotionally and physically drained from the lack of sleep and over thinking.
One of the best ways to survive (and eventually thrive) during these trying times is by silencing the inner noise in our heads to avoid getting burned out. Allow me to share with you these 5 ways to calm your mind:
- Disconnect to reconnect within
It’s important to know that our lives don’t have to revolve around what happens online. Be intentional in having healthy breaks from social media, from a few hours to even a few days (or whatever works for you). More than ever, it’s time for us to consume only what we want and need, and that means, what will serve us well and what will be healthy for our mind, body and soul at this point in our lives. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: life outside of social media will always be more beautiful. You just have to journey within first to experience it.
- Practice doing random mental dumps
Our mind can only process so much at the same time. So give your brain ample breathing space by doing random mental dumps: with your pen and paper (or smart phone or laptop, whatever works for you), jot down all your thoughts for 15 minutes. Like everything, no matter how random. You can also draw instead if you can’t find words to express them fully. The idea behind is to allow you to see what’s on your mind clearly so you can process them properly. Segregate your list based on your priorities and know what you can and cannot control. Reflect and act on them there after.
- Meditate
To have a quiet mind, have ample quiet moments for yourself. I like doing this in the morning upon waking up and before I go to bed. I just turn on my lamp, dim my lights and listen to soft instrumental tunes as I journey to my own happy space within. It’s such a liberating experience to just let things be and trust one’s self and the entire process more. When you are in a state of total surrender, you become at peace.
- Empower yourself with self-affirmations
We all need to remind ourselves consistently that we are good enough, that we are doing great, that we are amazing and thriving. But it’s not just about reminding ourselves; it’s also about believing each and every single affirmation we give ourselves. Choose which ones resonate well with you and practice saying them to yourself in front of the mirror, coming from a space of full trust and belief that you are exactly becoming the person you’re affirming yourself to be.
- Appreciate the now
When overwhelmed by the noises in our head, we tend to forget a very important thing: that we still have the present to live and enjoy. By choice. So each and every time you open your eyes, be intentional on the look out for things, people and situations that you are grateful for. Big or small, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you always come from a space of appreciation of your present situation so you can grow in it as you become your own #bestmeever .
At the end of the day, calming your mind is a matter of choice. The choice to let go of all the things beyond your control and focus on the beautiful possibilities of the now and what can still be.
