Don’t we all need a mini mind slow-down from time to time? In this global, truly crazy world, I find it is no less than necessary - even luxurious - to have the option to escape when things just get too much. This way, whatever is going on, it is always possible to bring yourself back to what you know does you good and provides you with that essential comfort.
And so without further ado, here are the ways in which I tend to disconnect from the constant (external & internal) noises, and reconnect with myself.
Taking Walks - this one might be extremely obvious, but for a good reason. Physically getting out of your apartment, house, or dorm is oftentimes necessary for getting out of your own head. Even in not-so-ideal weather, simply allowing some fresh air is a reminder that life exists outside our perception of it and automatically makes us feel less stuck. Just watching people out and about, walking or sitting down at cafes and bars - even if sometimes enhances a sense of loneliness - is also a reminder of the liveliness and opportunities that are there when you step outside, both literally and figuratively.
Writing - whether it’s a journal, a poem, or even some kind of list, writing things down tends to help release extra tension from the mind. I often find that once I express my feelings in writing, they don’t appear as daunting as they did in my head. What I found, when it came to journaling for example, is that once I stopped feeling pressured to journal perfectly or to do it every single day, I began writing more and more. I think it’s totally fine to write when you feel like writing. It’s not a task, but a supportive outlet.
Reading - fiction, I find, is a great way of connecting to someone else’s world and forgetting about your own, just for a little while. I think this kind of escapism is good and can only support us in expanding our minds (note: this obviously only works when you get into the rhythm of your book). I also love reading non-fiction, blogs (such as this one!), magazines, or browsing through art books; it’s honestly just about what makes you feel good.
Cooking - this might not be for everyone, but for me cooking a nice meal can act as a meditative practice. It can be a comfort meal, but often I find what makes me feel best is still healthy, which doesn’t mean it can’t be comforting and feel indulgent at the same time (such as a creamy vegetable-loaded whole-wheat pasta dish, for example). An indulgent dessert, of course, can do the job just as well!
Comfort TV / Movies - although this one can be tricky - since we don’t want to get too sucked into TV and not do or care about anything else - I find that a good, predictable & heartwarming TV show or movie can perfectly provide the brain pause we sometimes need. Something that helps us not think, just immerse in an unrealistic but entertaining invented world. My favorite comforting shows include Friends, Sex and the City (obviously!), Gilmore Girls, and recently Ted Lasso. And as per movies - pretty much every romcom ever made (with Notting Hill, Jerry Maguire, Pretty Woman, 27 Dresses, and When Harry met Sally being at the top of my list).
Cleaning Up - whenever I feel down and speak to my parents, my dad always tells me to first go take a shower and then come back and talk. If I’m not able to take a shower, then he’ll tell me to wash my face. I must admit that I tend to get mad at him for suggesting this - after all - when you’re upset all you want to do is not care. But, the truth is that simply taking a shower is an instant mood booster. Something about the water just washes off some of those bad feelings and (at least for a little while) makes you feel better about yourself, it’s as simple as that.
A really good conversation - oftentimes when I’m feeling low or overwhelmed, I tend to shut out the outside world and not “bother” my friends by whining and complaining to them. The reason is that (I think, or believe), I have a need to process my feelings in my head before I am able to talk about them. That being said, whenever I do end up meeting or calling a friend, 99% of the time I feel much better afterward. My personal preference is always meeting in person (as I’m not the biggest phone call person), but sometimes, especially whilst living in different countries, the circumstances just won’t allow an in-person talk, and so the phone is the next best thing.
Accepting - there are those times when even all of the above won’t help quiet down the noise. And so, I believe it is important to learn to accept how we’re feeling and hone in on it. This doesn’t mean staying in bed all day (although it can mean that some days), but rather accepting the way we’re feeling while knowing it doesn’t define us, nor will it last forever. Accepting, while keeping on moving forward, until we're back on the right track, or the track we trust is the right one.
If you’ve been feeling like you need to press pause (or mute) on your mind, I hope this helps. While I might not have mentioned anything new or groundbreaking here, I think it’s sometimes helpful to get a reminder. And just know (reminder to myself here as well) that none of us are immune, and sometimes we simply need to be ok with not being ok.
Thank you for being here!
Shira xx