Out of Your Mind – Staying Sane
Jackie Hillegers offers some advice to get out of your mind and focusing on what you can control – rather than getting out of control.
As humans we are able to adapt ourselves to an ever-changing environment in order to survive. In these modern times we are able to communicate at the touch of a button, share information worldwide and adjust to new situations quickly. This was not the case with our early ancestors – who did not have prior knowledge at their fingertips, so thinking about the future was not something they tended to struggle with. These days, with so much information and change we now tend to live more in our heads than in our bodies.
The great news is that we can change this by being more aware of our thoughts and our actions. The present moment is the only place that truly exists – the past cannot be changed and the future cannot be guaranteed.
Make sure you confront your own thoughts when creating a scenario in your mind by asking yourself – is this a true fact? To live more in our bodies and less in our heads we also need to make small positive changes to our daily lives including become more active and being content with what we have rather than what we want. Sitting still for long periods can increase your risk of chronic health problems and encourages overthinking.
If you are feeling helpless or overwhelmed, try to look at situations make a list of things in terms of what you can control and change rather than what is out of your control.
If you do feel strongly about a certain situation you can’t control, it is OK to voice your opinion, but just ensure it does not consume you. Balance is key!
Tips to avoid overthinking:
– Dance around the house like no-one is watching. Bonus: Housework and dancing go well together!
– Set up a home gym and create your own workout program
– Do an online yoga or pilates classes with your partner or kids (including furkids)
– Go for a 30-minute powerwalk
– Take a slower, relaxing walk in nature for a daily dose of Vitamin D
– Learn the guitar or a musical instrument online
– Meditate and practice deep-breathing which calms your nervous system.
If you are spending more time at home, creating a space you love is a great way to help you adjust.
Take the time to declutter – sell what you do not need, repurpose what you can or reposition the furniture for a different look. If you are renting, a change of rug, cushion, throws, plants or wall-hangings can brighten up your space!
Grow a vegetable and herb garden, be it on your kitchen bench, windowsill or yard. Now is the perfect time coming into my favourite season – spring!
Take a picnic rug into the yard with a cushion, some water and a journal. Write a list of all the small changes you want to make and just incorporate them slowly into your day one at time.
If you don’t have a yard, hit the park or get some artificial grass or a nice rug and turn your balcony or patch on the living room floor into your own little slice of paradise. We all need a relaxing space – to sip hot coffee, meditate, write in our journal or perform morning stretches.
So next time you feel like you are spending too much time in your head – just remember that life is about allowing changes to happen and adapting to new ways of living your best life.
Life will always keep moving forward, not stopping for anyone and never looking back at where it has been.
Our wonderful world with nature at our doorstep is just waiting for you to explore it, to experience new challenges and to get out there and live more in your body than in your head.
Take that first step today and remember that the only person who can turn your ‘frustration’ into ‘motivation’ is you.
