In a world full of things vying for your attention, it can be difficult to disconnect and get in tune with yourself. While technology has undoubtedly made it more convenient to do many different things through instant gratification, it has also made us available 24/7 to other people. As a result, we have even fewer times for just sitting and not doing anything. I’ve found that my head gets cluttered with all of the day’s activities and I can feel like a tornado has blown through my mind. It gets even worse when I find myself anticipating what tomorrow will bring!
For these reasons, it’s more important than ever to know how to settle your mind. Not only will it stop your thoughts from wandering when you should be working, but it can benefit you in many ways. With a clear mind, you sleep better, unwind after work, focus better, and enjoy more creativity. It also helps you stay grounded and present in your relationships, helping you appreciate more of life’s little gifts.
Still, releasing negative emotions and thoughts can be very challenging. Here are a few tips to help you clear your mind, still your thoughts, and give you more control over what you’re feeling:
Practice Mindfulness
Now that people are paying more attention to mental health, there’s been a renewed interest in mindfulness. It is the practice of being fully present and immersed in an activity instead of your thoughts about other matters. It’s a great way for busy people to slow down and concentrate on one thing at a time instead of multitasking.
Doing something without thinking of anything else sounds pretty tough, but you can start with simple tasks. From folding your laundry to cooking a delicious meal, throwing yourself into an activity without worrying about anything else is incredibly relieving and liberating.
Meditate Every Day
Meditation is a bit like practicing mindfulness, except that you’ll immerse yourself in the activity of doing nothing other than observing and just being. Meditation is great for letting go of negative thoughts, regulating negative emotions, and learning how to forgive yourself and other people.
To meditate, all you need is to find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and relax. Then, observe your thoughts and allow them to come and go. After noticing them, release them, then bring yourself back to the present moment.
Shift Your Focus
One of the best ways to clear your mind is to drop what you’re doing and shift your focus. Going outside for a walk is a great way to enjoy your neighbourhood without being obsessed with your responsibilities or obligations. Taking up a hobby or a new project is also a great way to create something with your hands while putting all your energy into it. If you’re a bookworm, nothing is better than losing yourself in a captivating book.
Reflect Through Journaling
If you can’t help but think of stressful thoughts, consider writing them down. Doing so will release your mind of them and allow you to reflect on them more. You’ll have the opportunity to examine your emotions, allowing you to think of different perspectives that can help you solve your problems, a technique known as cognitive restructuring.
To get started, take 20 minutes out of your day to journal. Choose your favourite pen and a notebook to get you going. You’ll experience the joy of writing your most intrusive thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion
In this article, I included tips that are easy to do wherever you are to show that calming your mind is possible. Even though you may feel overwhelmed with all your thoughts and feelings, following any of these tips will help you regain control of how you perceive things. Over time, you’ll become a master of your mind.
If you’re looking for high-quality therapy, be sure to let us know at Ward & Associates Psychological Services. We are a psychological clinic in Sherwood Park offering anxiety counselling, trauma therapy, spiritual development, and more. Contact us today to make an appointment and learn more about clearing your mind of stressful thoughts.