5 Ways to Get Out of Your Head
Perhaps its a mistake that we've made, criticism that we've received, a looming decision, or general self-doubt, all of these things can lead us to becoming stuck in our head. We become so worn down and fixated on an issue that we are unable to shut our minds off or to see the issue from another perspective. We find it challenging to focus on anything. We're simultaneously exhausted and yet our minds are racing. There are several actions such as writing, resting, and serving, that you can take in order to break through and get out of your head. These actions all require us to slow down, process, and breathe. Some of them such as serving, force us to put our attention on another making it difficult to stay consumed with our own worries. Something as simple as changing up our routines can give us that spark that we may need. You'd be surprised how used collectively or by themselves, these actions can help you to get out of your head.
5 Ways to Get Out of Your Head
Write
Writing our thoughts out on paper is a wonderful way of helping us to slowdown and process information. You'd be surprised at how laying out a problem in this way can provide a sense of calm. Often times after writing everything down, the things that we felt anxious about before suddenly seem less overwhelming.
Rest
"Eat some dinner, take a shower, and get some rest," this was my mom's tried-and-true advice to me and my siblings after we'd had a hard day, growing up. They are words that I still live by and often find to be true. It really is amazing what a good meal, a Netflix show, hot shower, and good nights sleep can do. I usually wake up the next day feeling rested and ready to tackle my problem.
Change Up Your Routine
When the mundane routine of life becomes too much, consider changing up your routine. Trying something new whether it be new food, outfit, route to work, or exercise routine may sound superficial but I've found that it often works.
Serve
Serving has been one of the most effective way in which I can get out of my head, whenever I'm feeling anxious or down. By forcing myself to put all of my attention on another person, loving and serving them, it tends to make my issue feel relatively small. When I serve I empathize with what others are going through, feel useful, and find myself being grateful for what I have.
Read
Sometimes distracting yourself with a good book is the best thing we can do when our mind is racing. It's something that I've incorporated into my nightly routine as I know that it will calm me down.
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Photograph by Zoe Grant.
*If you find that you are still having trouble "getting out of your head" and are experiencing signs of anxiety or depression, please consider visiting your local doctor's office for more advice. These are issues that so many people deal with and that you don't need to keep to yourself. You deserve to live a life of love, joy and peace.
Over the years, I’ve found that there are some tips and tricks that have helped me cope with my social anxiety and continue to go about my day-to-day living.