STOP THAT BUSY MIND!!!!
Do you ever have those times when your mind is racing, and you can't seem to catch up? Maybe your schedule is jam-packed, and you haven't had a quiet minute to yourself in what seems like forever, or you tend to worry about every little detail on a daily basis -- either way, your brain is on the go constantly. Sound about right?
We have all been there! Sometimes when I am driving, walking, reading, meditating, in a yoga class or doing anything at all... MY MIND WILL NOT STOP!!! Even the best of us battle with reconnecting to ourselves and bringing ourselves back to the present.
Nevertheless, don't worry. It's not an issue exclusive to you, an active mind is something we all deal with. A busy brain isn't a bad thing, but when it overtakes us and controls us instead of the other way around, that's when trouble can creep in.
Being mindful of this and practicing some tricks daily to maintain control of your busy mind is as easy as this...
1. Meditation/ Yoga
Meditation is a great way to calm yourself down after a stressful episode or a busy day. All you have to do is sit still and clear your mind and take some deep breaths. Notice the thoughts as they flow through as you gently bring your mind back to the here and now. Listen to your breath to become more present. This helps the process of letting go of the business that we create upstairs.
I see yoga as a moving meditation much of the time. By using some meditation techniques with breathing and mind/body/soul connection..then adding yoga moves, the stress just melts away.
It might take awhile to implement these techniques fully, but once you are able to utilize it, you will be able to finally enjoy some peace. One of my secrets is using essential oils to bring me to core relaxation. With scents of lavender, orange blossom or mint, I often find myself on my own desert Island, or deep in the South of France or snuggled up by a warm fire in a little cottage on a snow covered mountain( 0k, I think you've got the point). These methods can literally change your mindset altogether!
2. Exercise
Working out is a great way to reduce stress and even get in some beneficial exercise in the process. Whether it is dance, yoga, or simply taking a walk, mindful movement has been known to reduce stress and even help to increase productivity and strengthen your attention span. Who doesn't need that?!
3. Avoid overstimulation
Whether it is watching TV, reading articles on your phone, or even just chatting with people, we live in an era where we are stimulated all the time. This can make us stressed out more often. Be mindful of cutting down on technology or screen time that causes this stimulation, especially when you are feeling stressed. What are some activities you can do that don't involve technology or screen time? Some of my favorites are sitting in nature, petting my dogs, listening to music or books on tape, cooking, visual stimulation exercises, scrapbooking, writing, organizing a drawer or makeup area, playing board games or cards and photography.
4. Make art
No matter how good you are at painting, drawing, or even crafting, having a creative hobby is a great way for you to do more mindless work. Knitting is a good hobby for many, and you can make scarves and hats to keep yourself warm or to provide for family and friends during the holiday season.
Regardless of where you are in life, finding a great way to relax is vital for pretty much all of us. Being pressured and stressed can feel like an everyday occurrence, but with a little relaxation, we can start to retake control of our lives.
It takes PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE until you start craving this state of mind...
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOLLOWING ABUNDANT SOUL!!!
Candace Darby