These last few weeks have been a busy time for me. I get up in the morning and think of the things I need to do, and then realise that I didn’t do everything that I meant to do yesterday. Each morning, as I start to plan the day, I feel that there is a level of stress and tension in my body. As a professional who works in the area of stress and anxiety, I know that this stress is necessary in order to keep me motivated to get things done, but if I allow it to run free, it will lead to anxiety.
A bit of stress gets you to focus on the tasks you need to do. If there is too much stress, the overwhelming feeling prevents you from focusing on the tasks as you mind is distracted by being overwhelmed. The trick is to get the balance right.
Another problem with having too much to do is that you don’t spend time looking after yourself. You need to spend some time each day in self-care – you need to have some sort of mental health hygiene built into your daily routine. Everyone (well, almost everyone) manages to clean their teeth each day as part of their dental health hygiene regime – a sensible person will not skip cleaning their teeth just because they are busy. So what is your mental health hygiene regime?
For me, I sit down each morning with a cup of tea and read a page or two from something that inspires me. I have trained myself over the years to focus entirely on what I am reading, and to put aside any other thoughts during this time. I spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation of what I have read. This is only interrupted as my thoughts turn to the warmth of the cup in my hands as I take another sip of tea.
These few minutes of quietness and contemplation are what I need to start the day with a clear head. Other people take on different practices to allow their head to be clear – going for a walk, doing craftwork or art, lifting weights in the gym, meditation, listening to music … anything really – so long as it clears the mind of all the stuff that is usually there, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Our minds need time to rest from what they usually think about. This is particularly needed if you suffer from anxiety. Anxiety tends to absorb your mind and produce negative feelings. Giving it a break from all that – even if it’s just for a few minutes – will to you the world of good.
So find something that you enjoy. You may not be able to dissociate from negative thoughts and feelings immediately, but the mind is like a muscle – you need to exercise it in the right way in order for it to develop.
And Finally …
If you have difficulty with your stress and anxiety, if you feel you cannot manage to control it by yourself, then you may like to seek professional help. I help people with anxiety by using hypnotherapy to allow them to regain control of their mind and return to normal. If you want to ask questions about it, Contact Me and I will be happy to have a chat.
Photo courtesy of Mental Health Foundation / Peter Cooper