Today, I want to share what I do with myself when I get stuck in my head. Let’s say, for example, something horrible happens at my work. A terrible thing happens with a client, I get into a fight with my spouse, or something like that. I am not immune to any of those meanderings of thoughts that go into my head, just like anybody else. But, how do I make sure the negative thoughts don’t last for days?
- I get out in nature. Nature gives me perspective and the sense of something bigger than myself, which helps me to get out of my head.
- I do something physical like a workout, a walk, a simple stretch, anything that will get me back into my body.
- Lastly, I remember that all of the thoughts that are coming up are just that- they are thoughts.
Negative thoughts are almost always versions of, ”I wish I would have said this” or “I wish I would have done that” or “The next time this happens, I’m going to do this”. The common thread is that they are all stuck in the past or the future and none of them are rooted in reality. You cannot change what happened in the past. (In fact, science shows that you are probably remembering the past incorrectly anyway). Second, you can’t predict the future. You have got to get back into the present reality. And guess what? If you have been traumatized like I have, then you are more susceptible to start thinking catastrophically about the future or looking backwards, playing the victim in every single situation.
So, how do you get out of your head and back into your body? There is a three step approach. Number one, get into your body and into nature. Number two, understand that reality is your friend. Number three, meditate, do Thai chi, journal, or anything that will get you into the present moment.
If you know anybody else that would be helped with any of this information, please go ahead and share this blog with all of your friends that need this information. I really wish this was something that somebody told me a long time ago, and that is why I do what I do. I hope this information is very helpful to you all. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.