Maybe it’s Simple

It’s wild how simple it is sometimes. How the answers to my deeply thought out ‘never ending’ problems are. 

First and foremost, the only problems that are real are right now. The ones you’re anticipating and becoming anxious over while you overthink what could possibly happen next aren’t actually a real problem (yet). This is your monkey brain trying to prepare for the worst case scenario. It’s evolutionarily helpful when you could be chased by a mountain lion when you’re stuck in the dark outside at night and need to be aware of everything around you, but when you’re just overthinking something that you can’t possibly predict or prepare yourself for or do anything about until it happens - you’re just digging yourself a deeper hole into some unnecessary emotional turmoil.

The immediate problems right now - those are worth spending your precious time and energy thinking about. What is wrong at this moment, right now. Not something in 5 minutes or in a week or in a month, what is the immediate problem you’re dealing with. Mine is generally nothing. Nothing is actually causing me harm when I sit down most days and think about this concept. Sometimes I do have needs that are not being met and addressing those can be huge game changers. 

There are generally some consistent key struggles at work here. I might be hungry - in which case my attitude is off the charts due to some raging lacks in nutrients to feed the calm in my brain - hangry as some people may call it, and in that case I should just eat something and honestly most of the emotional catastrophe’s I’m imagining are solved. Especially if it has some nutritional value or I reflect on what my body is really craving before grabbing a snack.

Or maybe I need to drink some water, that’s a common enemy too. Filling my water bottle with some icy water can be an absolute game changer.

Something else that has a large impact on my in the moment brain chemistry is how stimulated I am. This brain was definitely not made to take in as much stimulus and information as it does every day. I’m generally overwhelmed by the access to the media and people and things I could do at all times. I do my best to take space from my phone or devices, spend time in nature, or just give myself a brain break and stare at the wall (I’m serious, this boredom practice actually heals my brain as I allow myself time and space for my neural networks to process the nonsense that I have been trying to sort through since the last time I did it). This allows me to have positive thoughts, semi productive conversations with my subconscious, and creative endeavors much easier. 

Another need I find that is not met by myself often is some super basic self care. Ayurveda is a traditional holistic medicine involving the use of natural remedies focusing on how they impact our biological rhythmic cycles and energetic makeup.  In my recent studies and practices of Ayurveda I have found myself more regulated. Simple quick things such as breathwork for a few minutes, grounding myself in my senses, and self massage have changed my relationship with myself and improved my mental and physical well being. Dry brushing, which helps move your lymphatic fluid (immune system buildup) through your body where it can be processed by the heart, leaves me feeling loved and taken care of - because I am indeed healing and caring for myself! Self massage allows me to tend to the neglected and forgotten parts of myself that deserve love like the soles of my feet or my hands. Psychologically I am providing myself the love and care that I may feel I’m not getting enough of. 10/10 highly recommend this. 

One last thing I’d add to this list of ‘make sure you did these things before you claim to have mental problems’ is movement. Movement is medicine. Our bodies were made to move. How many times have you gotten done with some movement - walking, yoga, dance, hiking, stretching, running, or sports - and been like damn I regret that, I feel way worse. Sure sometimes we push ourselves past our limits for records or PRs and it’s too much. Yet at the end of the day, when I move my body and allow it to explore and express and get groovy, I’d say I feel way better. Even just a little dance party while getting ready can change my perspective the rest of the day.

Oh and for a side note sleep has a wild impact on our bodies and can disrupt your nervous system like crazy! Not getting enough sleep (or sleeping too much) can make you moody, generally unsatisfied, and lethargic. It can be hard to get enough sleep but blue light / screens before bed can really mess your brain waves up - so perhaps try supplementing with a good book, some journaling, or just sitting around and staring at a wall (seriously, this shit is the best).

So maybe check in with your body’s needs before you take it out on someone else. I think making time for yourself to give a little bit of self love before you dive into the day (especially if you’re a generally sensitive individual) can go a long way. Show up for yourself. And then maybe we can get into the more nitty gritty of processing our emotional needs, pre conditioned beliefs, and negative self perceptions. 

Have a lovely day and take care of you,

Paige