Mind Matters

With all we have going on in our world at this time, the one thing you may not of thought of was your mind. However, thinking about it and nurturing it is key to our mental health. I’ve had many clients that are just feeling blah, as this pandemic trudges on with no end in sight.

There is so much uncertainty and creating some mindful moments will help keep us out of the doldrums. Mindfulness is about being truly present and in the moment. Most of us whip through our days with things we need to get done. Even the energizer bunny needs to recharge its batteries. Your mind is no different. Or perhaps you are on the opposite side of the spectrum and are having trouble getting motivated to do anything.

No matter where you find yourself, giving some attention to your brain drain will improve your well-being. With mindfulness we are paying attention, we are being aware and we are using kind intention. There is no room for judgment or expectations here. It is just about being. These can lead to a happier and healthier life.

Dan Seigel, PhD notes the many studies that show the physiological benefits of mindfulness. They include a decrease in stress level, better immune functioning, healthier heart, and decrease in inflammation.

He also mentions that it leads to changes in our brain, in an area referred to as neural integration. This helps us to regulate our lives, moves, emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

According to Siegel engaging in these 7 activities can be particularly helpful for your mind during the pandemic.

Reflection time for the mind

This refers to any mindfulness or meditation practice that you might have. Things like yoga also fall into this category. Remember, this is where you allow whatever comes up to come up. There is no judgment about where your mind goes. It is important to be open and aware of what is coming up for you. Accept it with kindness.

Time to connect

This is connecting with others as well as nature. Connecting in person is always best. If that isn’t possible then it can be via text, phone or video. Being in nature helps you feel connected to the planet and feel a part of a bigger picture. Think about that place in nature where you feel a sense of awe. That’s where we want you to go, whether it is physically or virtually.

Focusing the mind

This involves spending time on something you enjoy doing. Perhaps for you it is reading, playing an instrument, or engaging in some sort of hobby or craft. Allow yourself a set amount of time to focus on this hobby without being distracted. This will most likely come easily to you if it’s something you enjoy. Give yourself permission to do it vs. some task on your to do list. Seigel says that research shows that when we give something our undivided attention it helps us to learn, remember, and enjoy the experience at a greater level.

Playing

This is about having fun and being goofy. It is spontaneous and not some sort of organized sport. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do this. Just have fun. You know who appreciates or has a similar sense of humor to you, so enjoy. Just watch a child, they have an amazing sense of play. As we grow up we tend to lose some of that. So go ahead and be silly and goofy. Humor can help us get through trying times.

Exercise

With all that is going on, it would be easy to be a couch potato or spend hours and hours playing video games. It is important to move around. Doing so will improve your mood. If you work a lot of hours at a desk, you might want to look into chair or office yoga. There are some things you can do to move your body at work. Perhaps you want to walk some stairs or around your office building if possible.

Down time for the mind

Take some time to chill out and do nothing. This will give your mind a break. Let it wander wherever it will. You may want to listen to music while doing this.

Sleep time

In addition to helping you feel rested, the 7-9 hour time span does a lot more than you might imagine. It is a time for the brain to regenerate  neurons, and decrease brain inflammation. This helps us to focus better, improves memory, and helps our mood.

By engaging in some of these tools, you can keep your mind balanced. Our sense of well-being is at stake, as we are going through something none of us has gone through before. There is a huge sense of uncertainty. As long of we have ourselves centered, and in the best place we can be emotionally, we can come through this with resiliency.

If you are struggling with what is going on in your life or the world, therapy can help. Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk and process whatever is going on in your world. Give me a call at 713-304-6554.

Take care,

Debbie