Mind Realm: NASA Detects Mysterious Signal from KIC 8462852
Feeling swamped amidst the never-ending news updates, social media chatter, and family chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic? You're not alone, buddy. Many of us have been housebound for weeks, grappling with the new normal. But for a multitude of people, the turmoil outside and within their homes has been an overwhelming emotional rollercoaster.
Just like me, this quarantine blues has hit hard. Focus and productivity have taken a nosedive, and it's been tough to separate work from worry. Now, I want to share my ol' man's wisdom that's proven increasingly relevant as self-isolation and social distancing continue.
Back when I was knee-deep in stress, Dad said to me, "You ain't gotta be always on the go." Mind you, I wasn't quite sure what he meant. I thought he was talking about taking a break or self-care. But the more I pondered it, the more I realized he wasn't referring to a relaxing bubble bath or a day at the spa.
I refer to this concept as "mental headspace," a term I coined to describe freeing your mind from external noise and uninvited distractions. With the ubiquity of technology, we've become terrible at this. We've got earphones, smartphones, TVs, easy access to news, social media, streaming services, and more. As a result, we're constantly bombarded with information, making it hard to give ourselves space to think and breathe.
In the current crisis, it's more vital than ever to shake off our cultural norm of constant stimulation. We should ditch the noise for the sake of our sanity, mental well-being, and, when applicable, our creative pursuits.
The first time I truly experienced mental headspace was when I knuckled down to work on my current manuscript last August. Two ambitious writing goals were on my plate, and I was waking up at the crack of dawn to tackle them. But instead of sparking progress, I found myself staring blankly at the screen for hours, racking my brain for ideas that wouldn't come.
One day, after work, I hit the gym for a run. Turns out my iPod had died, and I decided to tough it out without the melodic distraction. Much to my surprise, my mind began churning solutions to writing conundrums, keeping me just as engaged as music usually did. I stepped off that treadmill with plenty of breakthroughs and a newfound energy for my manuscript. I'd learned that by starving my brain of constant external input, it was capable of solving problems on its own. This translated to a successful writing session the next morning.
While it's human nature to seek quick coping mechanisms during crisis, sometimes numbing the pain isn't the best choice. Letting yourself think openly about your anxiety, fear, and uncertainty can lead to healthier solutions for issues within your control.
Individuals living in close quarters during this pandemic might find mental headspace helpful in restoring a sense of calm or resolving behavioral issues. Struggling creatives—those feeling uninspired, paralyzed by self-doubt, and unproductive—may uncover fresh creative paths by reflecting on the initial inspiration behind their projects and dismantling the obstacles preventing them from creating.
Maybe mental headspace can even help people process and accept the current situation, discovering more beneficial coping mechanisms along the way.
Remember, little buddy, whatever you feed your mind is what it will churn on. I've found that limiting my social media use and restricting pandemic updates improved my ability to steer clear of emotional tides. It's scary to let your thoughts wander, but in times like these, it's essential to give your brain the space it needs to process and, when possible, find distractions that siphon focus away from the current crisis.
Take my challenge, friend. Find some mental headspace for yourself. Unplug from the news, social media, or any distractions for a day or two. If you have a live-in support system, talk to them about setting aside designated time slots for you to be alone, free from external noise and interruptions. When the time comes, put your phone away and allow your mind to wander.
Think about your favorite creative projects. Consider why you started them and how they can help you navigate this pandemic. Allow yourself to daydream, ponder, and ideate without any structure. You'll find that your brain is perfectly capable of coming up with solutions—maybe even the ones you've been seeking—when you give it the gift of uninterrupted thinking time.
I know I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again: this pandemic shall pass. Things will get better. We are facing uncomfortable growth, and it's up to us to adapt and find solace in our own mental headspace—one focused, creative thought at a time.
And remember, I want to hear from you! Try taking some mental headspace for yourself, and share your experiences and insights in the comments below! Do you feel more focused and inspired? What insights did you uncover?
- In the pursuit of maintaining one's sanity, mental health, and creative pursuits, it's crucial to practice mental headspace, a concept of freeing the mind from external noise and distractions, particularly in the current COVID-19 crisis.
- By utilizing mental headspace, one can allow their mind to breathe, think, and ideate, fostering focus, inspiration, and potential solutions for personal challenges, be it emotional, behavioral, or creative.
