Posted by pegasus on October 19, 2007, at 14:02:44
In reply to behavioral ways to slow down busy mind?, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on October 19, 2007, at 12:00:04
Hi Llurpsie,
I find that sometimes when I'm really wound up, I can only slow my mind down by doing something that involves a real sensory experience. I think it's because it kind of forces me to stay in the moment, instead of staying in my ruminations. So, something like listening to loud music on the radio (in the car on the way home) ironically gets me soothed (especially when I sing along). Or just any kind of music that I can really get involved in listening to. I think that's why reading a book works, too.
Some other things that work for me: Talking to someone (who isn't going to fight with me or otherwise rile me up), exercise - especially a class, where I have to pay attention, gardening, a (good) movie, cooking something complicated, cleaning.
I actually use this in a different way when I'm lying in bed unable to sleep, too. I try to notice something real in my environment, like how tight my neck is, or how soft the sheets are, or just how tired my body feels. A lot of times it gets me out of my head enough to get more sleepy.
Good luck on your quest. I hope you find some things that work for you.
peg
poster:pegasus
thread:790105
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20071009/msgs/790139.html