As distractions and constant stimulation become more prevalent in the modern world, controlling our minds becomes increasingly important. No, we are not talking about the "art of manipulation" that you may have watched in that last sci-fi film on mind control! Mind control, in the healthy context, means to learn how to engage with your thinking in a way that allows you, rather than others or emotions, to take direction in a way that is helpful for you and your goals. To learn to engage and take control of the mind, we must first understand how the mind works. Minds are complex webs of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that influence how we perceive the world. The thoughts that we think shape the reality in which we live, and if we learn to take control of our minds, there is great opportunity! You can improve focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate positive thinking in the short term and long term. All of these things can help you lead a more fulfilling and balanced life. Developing the ability to control your mind is a life-long process that requires patience, practice, and self-awareness. Understanding the working of the mind and cultivating mindfulness, challenging limiting beliefs, implementing visualization and affirmations, and embracing positive habits can help us gradually gain control over our thoughts and unlock our inner potential. It is important to remember that the mind is a powerful tool that can, with conscious effort, be shaped to ensure that we live lives filled with fulfillment, joy, and purpose.
All of this sounds great, right?! Easier said then done! Some of us have a greater challenge in controlling our thoughts and feelings. In therapy, we explore the why behind this. Perhaps stemming from past trauma, life stressors, and/ or a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Regardless of your experience, here are a few ways you can channel this healthy form of mind control!
Embrace Mindfulness Mindfulness and meditation are fundamental techniques for controlling the mind. To develop greater self-awareness, we can focus our attention on the present moment and observe our thoughts without judgment. This will allow us to make conscious choices rather than reacting impulsively. Mindful walking, prayer, and yoga exercises can help ground your focus and give you the space and time to see what is going on in that mind of yours.
Develop a sense of self-compassion. Practicing self-compassion requires treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, just as we would our closest friends. We should approach our thoughts with kindness, understanding, and acceptance rather than berating them. This is especially important if you have a trauma history or a history of depression, where we can experience negative self talk. Mindfully catch it in the moment and respond more compassionately to the self, intentionally!
Identify and challenge negative thoughts. When negative thoughts persist, it can be difficult to overcome them. Depression, OCD, and anxiety are all disorders that can add this difficulty! Learning how to reengage with distressing thoughts can offer much relief. By challenging and questioning the validity of certain thoughts, we can gain a new perspective. Think about alternative viewpoints for more balanced perspectives and consider whether your opinions are based on facts or assumptions.
Use positive affirmations to replace negative thoughts. By repeating positive affirmations to ourselves, we can reframe our thoughts and beliefs. Choosing positive affirmations that resonate with us can gradually shift our mindset from negative to positive. Identify positive ones that resonate with you!
Seek support.
If you are experiencing negative thoughts that are overwhelming or persist despite your best efforts, you may benefit from seeking professional assistance. By seeking the guidance and assistance of a therapist or counselor, you may be able to manage negative thoughts and enhance your mental health.
