Change Your Mind

Sometimes it’s hard to put a finger on what’s wrong. Other times, it’s pretty easy. The Kaiser Family Foundation published the findings of a tracking poll conducted earlier this year indicating roughly half of American adults say the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their mental health. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has partnered with the Census Bureau and is now conducting what is being called the Household Pulse Survey, to gather what surveyors are hoping will be the most up-to-date information regarding the effects of the current climate on mental health in American homes. When we combine feelings of fear, feeling anxious, depressed, struggling to sleep through the night, or simply feeling edgy about the pandemic with the same anxious feelings related to the upcoming election, we can understand what millions of people, just like us, are feeling, from time to time. Even when things in the world aren’t so topsy-turvy, it’s not difficult to find something to be upset about. If you aren’t worried one little bit and haven’t been affect at all by COVID-19, if you feel complete peace when you think of the current social and political climate, if you’re in a happily engaged and healthy relationship at home, if you’re working at your dream job, if your kids are all doing just as you hoped, if you have no bills to pay and have not a financial care in the world, you will still experience some angst along your path. If you don’t, you can use these tips to help a friend learn to let go of what cannot be changed or helped: Take five or six deep breaths. Breath in slowly and fill your belly completely. Hold your breath for a few moments. Exhale slowly and completely. It’s amazing what a few good deep breaths can do. Now, empty your mind of all nagging, negative thoughts. You are in control of what thoughts are allowed into your mind. Visualize something or someplace peaceful and uplifting. Imagine a door; send all of the negative thoughts out that door and shut it. Write your thoughts and feelings, or your worries. Writing helps to put things into perspective. If you’re worried about someone reading what you’ve written, tear up the pages and throw them away. Take a walk every day, if you’re able to. Make a habit of speaking words of comfort to yourself as you do. One dear friend of mine says she prays while she walks. I’m a fan of that, too. Sincere prayers of gratitude lift the heat. When you’re not your happiest self, remember: Mindful habits will change your feelings. You can’t change the world, but you can change your mind.

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