To outsiders, it’s the quietest type of war. You may be sitting in your car, right next to them in traffic. No one can see it or hear it or feel it but there’s a battle being waged in your mind. You may be replaying what felt like an awkward interaction. Perhaps you’re focused on money issues or something about yourself you do not like.
In the present moment, you’re right there in that car. In most other ways, you’re ping-ponging between the past and the future. You’re dodging bombs and trying to evade haymakers — and it’s taking a toll on your mind and body.
The Body As Collateral Damage
When you and your mind are at war, your body pays a big price. You may recognize symptoms like:
Sleep disturbances
Stomach and digestive issues
Loss of focus and concentration
Unexplained muscle aches and tension
Headaches
Chest tightness
Shaking hands
Shortness of breath
This is not a complete list. Emotional stress can cause almost any type of physical symptom. Meanwhile, the stress hormones flow. Long-term issues become possible. Simply put, what you need is a ceasefire and a truce.
5 Ways to Find Peace When Your Mind Is At War
1. Awareness
Instead of reacting to each new emotion and/or symptom, take a long look at the big picture. Allow yourself to identify what is happening. Recognize what it’s doing to you. Do not normalize the feelings that arise when your mind is at war. Write down those feelings. Accept them as unacceptable. Commit to healing.
2. Detach
Once you can discern what is going on, you have more power to step away. You can observe the patterns without participating in them. Put down your weapons and just watch. Thoughts seem powerful but they crumble under examination. So much of the ammunition in this war is false. Stress tells you lies. Those lies do not stand up to scrutiny.
3. Practice Visualization and Stress Management
Breathing Exercises: Focus on your breath. Take long, slow inhales and exhales of equal length. Notice any thoughts you have without assigning value to them.
Imagery: Close your eyes and imagine the inside of your mind as a cluttered desk. Now picture a strong breeze or broom sending the volatile thoughts away. To be more tactile, visualize a dial attached to the side of your head. Use that dial to slowly turn down the war sounds until you have nothing but silence. Take a few minutes to appreciate the peace.
4. Just Say No
Talk to the combatants. Give them names and yell at them. Tell them “no.” Without your permission, the war must end. The fuel it runs on is the attention you give it. Actively reject any attempt to stir up conflict. Whenever possible, do this aloud. Forcefully take back control of the battlefield and turn it into a sanctuary.
5. Turn It Off
Everyone can relate to that feeling when you’re excited to watch a video online but then the ad starts. What do you do? You hit “skip ad,” of course! Or maybe you click on an interesting story and are greeted with a pop-up ad. What do you do? You find the “x” and click it away. Good news! Your mind is powerful enough to remove its own spam.
It Helps to Have Help
Making peace with your mind is some of the most important work you’ll ever do. But it’s not a one-shot deal. There is no finish line. It’s a process and it helps to consult an expert. That’s why I invite you to set up a free consultation so we can get the peace talks started ASAP.