Head Space

Hello and welcome to today's topic on the importance of "Head Space." I feel it is something important to address especially in the age we live in. Our minds are constantly inundated with events that happen on a global and personal level. With the simple click of a button we know what is happening over seas, and with a quick thumb scroll we know what Susie had for breakfast.

Whether we like it or not, data is constantly flowing into our subconscious. There is a rapid information output and a plethora of ways in which one can easily compare himself to another.  It's no wonder that we easily become stressed or restless.  And there is barely enough time to process the events that happen to us or the things we learn. It can be hard to sift through our thoughts which begin to mimic the flashy and dysfunctional T-V ads or depressing headlines. 

Nevertheless, while awareness of the world is an important thing, sometimes our imagination erringly gravitates towards the most minute details. And as we follow this thread inwardly we loose sight of the general picture. We become over analytical of ourselves. 

"Am I not smart enough?"  "Did I say something wrong?" "I should have been on my A-game." 

It is possible for our minds to twist and warp reality when there is so much negative buildup. We ruminate about any thought that passes through our brains. Then we end up with conclusions which are usually false.

"I was way too pushy." "He does not like me anymore." "I am a failure."

The thing is no one can blame us for following this inner spiral of thinking. It's what makes us human. We like to rationalize and connect the dots to find answers to our curiosities. However, sometimes we give our imaginations too much control. We begin to live in an unhealthy symbiotic relationship with our thoughts and become stuck in our own heads.

This is why I feel that it is essential to have these moments where we can step outside of ourselves and clear our minds- feed our souls. There should be a set time where we can unplug from instagram and facebook. We should grant ourselves the frequent opportunity to hit that refresh button. In doing so we find that living each passing moment, fully, and presently, can wake up the parts of ourselves that have been lost. When pointless mind chatter is silenced and false conceptions no longer block our view, it is an amazing life we get to experience. 

To each his own method, but these are some ways I like to relax and declutter my own head.

#1 Change of Atmosphere

We are creatures of habit. So when we drive or walk to a new place we refresh our sense perceptions and it is easier to begin anew. Just 30 minutes at your favorite coffee shop or a walk through a park or museum can give you the release you need.

#2 Write it out just as you would sweat it out

Though we can't see what is happening in our heads, writing it out can make our thoughts more tangible and easier to work with. I like to write whatever negative thought I'm having. Then I respond with how I can fix that problem. By the end of your prompt you feel more confident by taking charge of your own thought process. 

#3 (Fic)tion your Addiction.

I got this idea from Megan Batoon on Youtube. Fiction allows you to take a break from whatever it is that consumes your mind. It helps you focus on another character's point of view rather than your own. Pick up some adventure, drama, or romance. A good one to get your hands on is "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green. 

#4  Scenic Drives

Go for a long scenic drive where there is a lot of greenery and openness. Perhaps you prefer a night drive through the city. Play your favorite music and I suggest making yourself a playlist for these particular excursions. I find driving the most freeing thing because you become entranced by your surroundings, and in effect, the peripherals of your mind become widened.

#5 Practice Gratitude

When we begin to count our blessings and realize all that we have been given- our homes, families, our unique skill sets, or whatever it may be, our attitude begins to change and we feel the lesser need to level up with others.

Lastly, I would like to close with an analogy I pulled out from the book, "The Untethered Soul."

Imagine yourself driving in a car, taking in everything you see outside your moving vehicle. You pass by some foliage, a stop sign, a field with some cows; it's like your mind is playing a movie and you are just experiencing it. All of a sudden you see a blue truck pop out from no where. It brings you back to the time when you dated Sarah, because Sarah had a blue truck. You then get caught up in past painful memories that start to blur into the present. You must see that you are no longer engaged with what is happening outside of the car. You keep thinking about Sarah. But if you allow that thought that all started with the blue truck to pass through you, if you can learn to accept it and grow from it, you could go on experiencing the world around you. You could enjoy the ride!

I hope you found something to take away from this entry and thanks for sticking to the end. Have a fantastic day!

-Sofia