How to calm restless mind?
I am one restless millennial. 2020 has something to do with it, but mostly its me.
It mostly comes from million things I want to do in next one hour. Other times it is because of some irrational fear that my mind creates which makes me anxious. I will not say I have got it under control fully because it is not possible to do away with fears and ambitions. I am doing better. I have found system that works for me.
Writing
Writing has helped me throughout. When you write, you get clarity. Whenever I feel I am anxious, I write down thoughts that led me there. It might be actions I am planning or imaginary situation I am dwelling upon. Once I write it down, I close the book. I revisit that after hours/days when I am calm. If it is a goal/action, I question whether it is relevant, important, needs my attention, when etc. details help mellow down the severity of action. If it is fear, whether its probable, chances of its happening and more importantly what's it in my control to do about it. Even if you are not writing, asking "What is in my control and what is not" is important question that should settle your rattling mind.
Writing helps me.
For million things I wanted to do, I have accepted that not everything I can do, I want to do and will be able to do. I have started keeping a list since 2018 I call it 'Dream Universe' It contains all the things, projects I wanted to take. Keeping a list helps me with two things, one my ideas have home, so mind does not keep repeating it. Two, more room to think something else, new ideas. For many things I want to do, I ask,
"What needs my attention now?"
Meditation
I started doing meditation in August 2019, it started with 2 minutes everyday. Really. It was that low target. It was more to calm the mind. It feels so obvious to practice meditation now. I wonder how physical fitness enthusiast like me could take minds health granted. Better late than never :) I make sure I meditate everyday at least for 2 minutes. My best timings till now is 10. Most days I can do about 7-8 minutes. Try it. Meditation helps.
Gratitude
I have been thanking god and my parents every night since I was 14 years old. No one else. I think this is one of the major reason I have always been die hard optimistic about everything in life. Being thankful helped me look at opportunistic side than lost ground. Off late I have started to write down one-three things that I am grateful for that happened in a day. Keeps contextual. Makes me smile(most days)
These are not the only things or a fixed formula. Sometimes just a glass of water calms me down, or an evening walk, or talk with a friend, or a good mystery book or TV show. Sometimes I am awake than my usual bedtime(99% of times it is fixed)
Idea is to do something you love to do and makes you feel you again.
What have you done last time when you were restless? I would love to know what works for you.
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