The Power of Your Mind.

Do you ever catch yourself so deep into a daydream that you can actually feel the emotions and physical sensation of the fantasy?

The same when you wake from a dream and can still feel the sensations and emotions it conjured up.

Your mind is capable of changing your physical and emotional state simply by thinking. You do not have to actually experience the ‘thing’, in fact you don’t even need to have experienced the ‘thing’ in the past - your brain can infer what you would feel simply by imagining it.

You know this. You experience this phenomenon so regularly you probably don’t give it much thought.

So, if you know your brain is capable of changing your physical and emotional state simply by ‘thinking’ do you utilise this gift when you are experiencing negative emotions in your day to day life? For example, when you are stressed? When you feel anxious? When you feel angry and frustrated?

If not then you are missing a trick. You have, at your disposal, the ability to change your current physical state and your emotional state simply by going into yourself and thinking about something that brings you happiness and pleasure.

Give it a go. Right now. If you are feeling happy think about something that angers you and notice how you physical and emotional state responds. Alternatively, if you are feeling sad, angry or stressed, focus on a time in your life when you felt free, happy and hopeful. Really focus on it. Close your eyes, remember where you were, who you with, what you were doing. Notice how your body responds and in turn, how your emotional state shifts.

I know you are probably feeling a resistance to this idea. Sometimes we like to revel in our negative states, and that’s okay as long as you recognise when you are indulging in them. However, sometimes we want to be taken out of these states and at these times we often look outwards for solutions - want ‘someone’ or ‘something’ to make us feel better.

But, the solution is so much more obvious. We don’t people and we don’t need external intervention. We can find what we need inside ourselves.

Music can have the same effect; you know the feeling when a song comes on the radio that just instantly makes your smile. That’s because you associate it with a memory, or a feeling, that makes you feel good.

So next time you find yourself in a negative state and want to reduce it, start by closing your eyes and think of a time, person or place that made you feel truly relaxed and/or happy. Immerse yourself in the thought. Notice your body relaxing, your mood lifting. If it helps try to engage your sense - put on some music, light a scented candle and watch the flame as your inhale the scent, wrap yourself in a soft blanket and notice how it feels against your cheek, allow a piece of chocolate to melt slowly in your mouth.

Sometimes we can over complicate the simple. Slow down, relax for a moment and just breath in the memories and thoughts that bring you joy. No guilt, no shame, no embarrassment, no urgency.

It starts and ends with you. Why not start now?

Note: If you are suffering chronic and debilitating mental health conditions then the suggestions in this post can help but you should always seek professional help to gain appropriate help and guidance.

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