Hi friends who are struggling, et al. I’m back!
This week I have decided to “keep it light and airy,” since these past several weeks I have delved into some pretty heavy duty stuff, such as – I don’t know – death.
So, I am just going to do some stream of consciousness fun stuff to help with your mental issues, if you have any.
I sort of blogged on this topic eons ago about how just taking it easy on your mind and getting lost in music or reading or watching TV or movies or Netflix or baking or cooking or needlepoint — you get the picture — is very good for your overall mental wellbeing. It relaxes your mind and puts you in a more peaceful state.
Here is an example of one such previous blog post. Click on the link below:
And as my lead picture suggests, you can try the following:
- Deep breathing.
- Calming music.
- Meditate.
- Relaxing videos (and yes, this includes TV and movies!).
- Slow down.
- Stretching.
- Tea.
- Yoga.
Deep Breathe your way to Relaxation and Calmness
Taking deep breaths can be VERY healing and therapeutic. It really does work as a way to center yourself and your mind, especially if your thoughts are racing.
I like to start the day with this technique. I do it lying down, but by all means you can sit up or heck, I don’t see a reason why you cannot stand LOL. The idea is to breathe deeply and slowly into your diaphragm or lower stomach, and I allow my stomach to protrude when I do it. I even tell myself to just breathe. The idea is even calming. So, try it!
Music Makes the People Calmer!
Music will ALWAYS be my go to!!! I have definitely blogged on this topic extensively before as a way to relax your mind and body. And yes, my needle gets stuck on a particular song – no pun intended – and can stay there for weeks or even months! I MUST hear that song!! Click on the link below for a blog post on this particular topic:
Meditate Your Way to Relaxation
This is almost a no brainer. But believe it or not, people find it difficult to simply sit still and meditate to relax. Sometimes it is hard for me. But the idea is to clear your mind – as much as you possibly can – and simply sit quietly. You can bring your attention to something soothing, like perhaps picturing a lake or a forest or clouds. These are just examples. By all means pick your own. And this is where deep breathing comes into play as you meditate. They can most certainly go hand in hand.
Some people whisper a prayer as they meditate, and I think that is wonderful. You can even say affirmations to yourself as you do so.
Relaxing Videos and TV – It’s All Good!
I definitely enjoy TV and especially YouTube. YouTube is like my go to for whatever I want. I watch old soaps on there, particularly One Life to Live from the 80s. Give me Viki/Niki anytime!!! 😉😂🤣
My confession? I also LOVE watching True Crime stories on YouTube, especially the true murder stories/mysteries. And everyone is like WHOA!! But doesn’t that affect your mental state? And the answer is no, it doesn’t bother me. Yes, all of these stories are downright horrible, but I am also a writer. So, it actually gives me ideas to put in my scripts should I choose to do so. Don’t judge!
And I have a strong fascination with this right now, and I really have no idea why. But I will discuss this in the next blog topic. Hint. Hint.
But as I pontificated in the previous blog post above about watching television and movies to escape to another world, it does just that – take us away from our own dreary lives. We don’t think about the bills and our responsibilities and our families when we simply indulge in one of the oldest pastimes in America. I don’t judge people for what they watch. Well, except for reality TV. 😂😂😂But hey, if it gets your mind off things, then go for it. Some people say mindless TV watching is not good for you, but I disagree. If it gives you comfort and relief, then I say why not? I wouldn’t suggest being glued to the TV 24/7, as if that is even possible for most of us. But we need some sort of escape from everyday life.
Take It Slow!
Slowing down is something I am learning to be okay with. It is absolutely okay to not try and do everything and to just take a break from your usual routine. This past week alone, for a couple of days I just allowed myself to take time off from my regular routine. Yes, I did work, but instead of getting up at the crack of dawn to write or blog, etc., I stayed in the bed a little longer. I took longer naps. I allowed myself to just be and relax.
Spill the Tea!
Drinking tea is a wonderful way to relax your mind, especially a nice, hot cup of tea. It can be very, very soothing to just sit and sip. I find this takes me to another place, as well. Especially when I pretend I am sipping tea with the now deceased Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Yes. I am weird. But hold up. I am not imagining having tea with her dead body, just to be clear. Because that would be weird. 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Or I like to sit on my balcony and sip my tea.
Stretching/Yoga – i.e. Work that Body!
I wanted to include both stretching and yoga together here, because imo it is all leading towards the same goal: Stretching and working your body towards flexibility.
I have been hearing more and more about how you should actually start the day with a good series of stretches to limber up your body. After all, you have been sleeping all night long – that is if you don’t suffer from insomnia. But the point is, your body has been prone probably for several hours, and you will need to stretch those muscles to get them moving.
And I did return to yoga earlier this year, which I actually prefer to working out. As stated above, the body should be stretched on a daily basis. We spend a lot of time sitting. I know I do, and it is good to get your body moving. By stretching and doing yoga poses, you are giving great blood flow and oxygen to parts of your body, especially your brain and mind.
The Write One
But it is the writing that brings it all home for me. For the first time, I am going to share a bit of that writing with you. And yes, it is copyrighted. So, don’t try anything! 😂😉😀
MABEL
Henry! Henry! Come here quick!!
Henry enters the living room.
HENRY
What is it, Mabel? I’m trying to eat my lunch.
MABEL
Forget your lunch. I think that’s that Hank Peters fighting with Danny Price outside Candy Crump er I mean, Desiree Montgomery’s apartment building! Look!
Henry takes a look out the window.
HENRY
So, it is.
MABEL
Oh for gosh sakes, Henry! Get your Polaroid and go down there and take a picture.
HENRY
I will not.
MABEL
Get the camera, Henry! Maybe we can sell it to The Inquisitor and make some money. I hear they pay pretty good. And you do want that new TV set with the remote control. So, you can ignore me and watch your precious games. So, get the camera, Henry Walker!!!
HENRY
Oh all right.
Henry exits the living room.
MABEL
Oh too bad we don’t have one of them video recorders. That would be even better.
Just a little fun scene from my web series Fabulous and Gorgeous, set in the 70s.
I enjoy getting lost in fantasy. I admit it! Whenever life just gets on my nerves, I allow my mind to take me to another place. Another World. No pun intended. And it definitely helps me. I pretend that I am very rich and am married to the most handsome man and living in a huge mansion surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. And the nearest neighbors are about two miles down the road!!
And of course I cannot forget my two fur babies, (dogs) Bronson and De Niro named after the actors respectfully.
I really would like to know what are some of your favorite ways to unwind your mind. Leave me a comment in the comment section below.
But remember, if you feel that you cannot cope or need to speak with a professional, then online therapy may be the way to go. You can do this in the comfort of your own home without having to get in traffic to drive to an office. Check it out by clicking on the link below:
So, today’s post took a break from the terrible and the horrible and the ugly. Be forewarned next week’s post is going to be a killer, no pun intended. So, until then be safe and well, and as always, be mentally well.
DEREK’S DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional, neither am I giving any medical or legal advice. If you are seeking help from a doctor or an attorney, please consult said professionals. These are my personal thoughts and feelings on the subjects discussed, and my blog is my own personal experiences and journey with mental imbalance. Thanking you in advance!
I do not own the copyright to any songs or videos listed here.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: There are products on this page. By clicking on the links, you will be redirected to that page at no cost to you. However, I will receive compensation if you purchase something (which I hope you do 😊).
