Michael

Tonight is difficult as I have so many thoughts going through my mind, I don’t know what to write about. I’m sure you experienced this before. Your mental activity is on overdrive causing a myriad of thoughts. It makes it hard to sleep, hard to concentrate, hard to relax and it causes me to be quiet and introspective.

So what do you do? I think several things can help here. The key is to not put to much thought on the solution. That will only exacerbate the issue. Finding ways to relax can help; a hot bath or shower, meditating, physical activity followed by rest, or massage.

Sitting and writing down what you are thinking can be very helpful. Just start at the first thought that pops into your head at the moment you want to write. Then follow the thread from there. You may be surprised at what you uncover, as the reason for this state of mind can lay buried sometimes. At the very least you will feel much better than trying to hold back your thoughts.

Sometimes watching a movie or television program that is pure entertainment (i.e. I mean that doesn’t require a lot of thinking) can help. Action or comedy type programs are really good.

Talking with a friend can help, but make sure that your friend is aware that you may be pouring out a lot of thoughts in rapid succession. The friend’s job is to listen and not necessarily give solutions.

A cup of hot herbal tea like chamomile is also a great way to relax. The chamomile has relaxing qualities but something about the hot liquid helps to calm the body and mind. Some like to try hot milk. That’s not my preference but everyone is different.

Finding ways to laugh can be stress reducing, fill your body with endorphins and an easy way to get out of your mind.

I’m going to go and try one of these ideas now.

Michael