Slowing down your thoughts 3rd September 2022
Slowing down your thoughts
Our thoughts can make our mind a pretty busy place to be, so having the power to slow them down is a very useful tool to have in your toolbox. Read more about how our body and mind are linked, and get some tips on slowing down those thoughts and finding your inner calm.
On average, we have around 6,000 thoughts a day, that’s a lot of brain power. Sometimes, you might notice your mind working a little faster than usual, and your thoughts can feel like they’re flashing by, particularly if you’re worried or stressed.
Our thoughts control everything we do, and the mind and body are closely connected. So, if we have racing thoughts and a busy mind, that is going to have an impact on everything else around us - and our physical actions too.
Slowing down your thoughts is a useful thing to be able to tap into, but it can be tricky when things feel like they are whizzing right past you. Here are some of our tips to slow things right down, and grab a moment of peace inside your own mind.
Meditation and mindfulness
Both of these are incredibly powerful, and if you don’t get on with them at first, we would encourage you to persist! You can check out some videos on YouTube or you can simply close your eyes and draw your attention to your breathing, if the mind wanders, bring it back to the breath. That’s a good place to start, and then you can see where meditation and mindfulness take you.
Slow walks in nature
Taking the time to walk and notice the things around you is also a mindful practice, and it allows you the chance to appreciate your surroundings and turn the focus to them, rather than what is going on in your mind. Carve out the time and be intentional with every step you take.
Make time for something that you love
It may be a hobby, it might be crafting, it might be something totally different! Whatever takes your fancy, make some time for it and allow yourself to fully indulge. If you need some more ideas, think about baking, cooking, sewing, macrame, learning an instrument or something that is a total wild card!
Talk with a friend
We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as talking, so the saying goes! Arrange to meet a friend who lights you up, really listen to what they’re saying, and allow them the space to talk. You never know what they are going through, and having some other thoughts to occupy your mind can be a help! Of course, share with them how you’re feeling too, and to use another saying, a problem shared is a problem halved!
Pick up a book
Getting lost in a book is an immersive experience, and it may just help you to relax and take that time for yourself. Don’t pick anything too heavy and make sure it is something you find an easy read so you can get hooked right in.
Plan a slow morning
Put it in your diary and allow yourself to take it really slowly. From a longer lie in to slowly making your coffee and enjoying it without a screen in front of you, can really make a difference. Take this care and attention through the rest of your morning and the rest of your day and see what impact it has.
The mind-body connection is scientifically proven, and by taking care of our mind, we are taking care of our body. Have you ever been to see one of our team and they have asked you to meditate or practice mindfulness? Now you know why, if you didn’t already.
Slowing down the mind takes time, so don’t worry if you don’t crack it on the first try. For more tips, advice, and to book in with our lovely practitioners, get in touch with a member of the team at the centre.
*Photo credit: Kieran Jones
