Yesterday, I decided to do something about my racing thoughts and constant mental chatter. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, so I thought, “Okay, let’s try to be still, both head and heart.”
Finding a Quiet Spot
First, I looked for a quiet place. My apartment isn’t exactly soundproof, but I found a corner in my bedroom that’s relatively peaceful. I closed the door, turned off my phone, and even put on some noise-canceling headphones – just to be sure.
Getting Comfortable (or Trying To)
Next, I tried to get comfortable. I sat down on a cushion on the floor, crossed my legs (which, honestly, isn’t the most comfortable position for me, but it felt “right” somehow). I rested my hands on my knees, palms up, like I’ve seen in pictures.
Focusing on Breath
Then, the real challenge began. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on my breath. In, out, in, out. Sounds easy, right? It wasn’t. My mind immediately started wandering. “Did I reply to that email?” “What am I going to make for dinner?” “I should really clean the bathroom.” It was like a never-ending to-do list playing on repeat.
Wrangling the Thoughts
Every time a thought popped up, I tried to gently push it away. Not in a forceful way, but more like, “Okay, I see you, thought, but I’m busy right now.” Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. I just kept bringing my attention back to my breath. Count, 1,2,3,4,5 when I inhale, and count again when I exhale.
Feeling the Feelings
It wasn’t just thoughts that were swirling around. I also felt a lot of emotions. Restlessness, anxiety, even a bit of boredom. I just let them be there, without judging them or trying to change them. It was like watching clouds drift by in the sky. The key is to keep the counting.
The Timer Goes Off
I set a timer for 15 minutes, which felt like an eternity at first. But as I kept going, it actually started to feel…okay. Not exactly blissful, but definitely calmer. When the timer finally went off, I felt a little surprised. It hadn’t been as bad as I’d expected.
Afterward
Afterward, I felt noticeably more relaxed. My mind was still busy, but it wasn’t quite as chaotic. My body felt less tense, too. It was like I’d given myself a little mental reset. Even though I only do it for 15 minutes and set a reminder at the same time every day. It’s a good routine.
The Verdict
So, will I do it again? Absolutely. It’s not a magic cure for stress, but it’s a simple tool that seems to help. I’m definitely going to keep practicing. Even just a few minutes of stillness can make a difference. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll actually be able to sit still without my mind racing a mile a minute. Also, a regular 15-minute a day is helpful. But let’s be realistic, sometimes I will miss it, and it’s okay.
