Episode Transcript
Doesn't it seem like every day brings more challenges? It doesn't matter what walk of life we are from. The mess keeps piling up.
It can be a significant price increase for a loaf of bread to how I will keep my multi-million dollar company competitive this year. And everything in between.
Although the facets of our dilemmas may appear different, they all have one thing in common. These situations cause significant damage to us on a mental and emotional level. You may not realize the extent of the damage until you realize you are having trouble sleeping, about to lose it with a customer service person, or ready to hurt the person who cut you off in traffic.
We see these stress-induced activities all over the world, whether it is the threat of war, domestic terrorism, or mass shootings. And the media, in its never-ending search for the holy grail of more ratings and outdoing its competitors, is happy to keep us white-knuckling, hating, finger-pointing, or scared out of our wits about the uncertainties of our lives.
The "they" are always after us! Or, if you don't have this, your life is over.
Outlets give us food that kills us and social media that creates anxiety, depression, and unrealistic life expectations.
Everyone has an answer for a small or large price, which inevitably means you depend on them for the rest of your life. While quietly excluding the fact you are going from the "frying pan" to the fire.
Unfortunately for us, two fundamental issues are never included. Firstly, the only person who can know what makes you happy is you, and you are responsible for you.
No one is coming to save you but you (in most instances.) And if they did, would you accept it? How many of us know that what we are doing presents no value to us? Similarly, these actions continue to cause considerable harm as we repeat them.
Some medical advice is simple, practical, and cost-free, but will we always follow it?
The first hurdle is to accept the reality of "cause and effect." Then, to acknowledge, we are the cause of the effect. However, as simple as doing the right thing is, it's not a simple accomplishment. Again, it is us in our way. And here's the kicker: we were programmed to be in our way, and then we continued the process.
Self-inflicted roadblocks befalls us in the form of self-talk. As children, we know there are no limits to our abilities. But from an early age, we are told what we cannot, should not, or cannot do.
Using our brains and how they are designed to function is the answer to our problems. Our brains aid us to achieve what we keep thinking about. If we continue to think a certain way, our brains "hardwire" that thought. Consequently, whether the input is real or not, our brains accept the thoughts as reality.
According to research, the average person has approximately 60,000 thoughts per day. But what is truly concerning is that 75% of these thoughts are harmful, and 95% are repetitive.
Consciously thinking by embracing positive self-talk while rejecting negative self-talk will change your life quickly. As the CBT (cognitive behavioral triangle) shows us (as if we didn't know), what you think dictates how you feel and what you do, and the results of your actions fuel your thoughts.
When we put all of this together with the negativity incessantly stuffed down our throats, it's no wonder we find ourselves mentally exhausted.
Reframing our thoughts is the first step. Change thoughts like "I always mess up" to "I can learn from my mistakes." And "I will never be able to make things better," to "all I need to do is gain new knowledge that will help me overcome challenges."
Here are some additional support mechanisms to aid you on your journey.
Practice Mindfulness:
Take moments throughout the day to pause, breathe, and bring your attention to the present moment.
Engage in activities mindfully, fully immersing yourself in the experience without judgment.
Incorporate mindfulness meditation into your routine to cultivate a sense of calm and clarity.
Prioritize Self-Care:
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Set aside time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether reading, walking in nature, or indulging in a hobby.
Ensure you sleep peacefully, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated.
Set Boundaries:
Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy and overwhelm you.
Establish clear boundaries with others, communicating your needs and limitations.
Create a sacred space for yourself where you can retreat and recharge when needed.
Cultivate Supportive Relationships:
Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
Seek a trusted friend, family member, or therapist with whom you can openly share your thoughts and feelings.
Engage in activities that foster connection and community, such as joining a club or attending social events.
Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities:
Find activities that help you unwind and release stress, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Engage in regular physical exercise to boost endorphins and improve your overall well-being.
Explore creative outlets like painting, writing, or playing an instrument to express and process your emotions.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion during challenging times.
Replace self-critical thoughts with kind and supportive affirmations.
Embrace imperfections and treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you would offer a loved one.
Remember, healing from mental and emotional exhaustion is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and consistent effort. By incorporating these tips and exercises into your daily life, you can gradually transform exhaustion into vitality, finding inner peace and resilience.
Your mental and emotional health is crucial to your existence. If we fail to address these parts of us consciously, we become physically and mentally impaired. Physical and mental impairment creates an environment that makes it almost impossible to thrive healthily or practically.
Make a difference in your life because the reality of the situation is you are the only one who can. Embrace the power within you to heal, and may your journey be filled with self-discovery, growth, and renewed energy.
So, my friends, until next time.
Remember always to be the best version of you. Likewise, Love Yourself. You are Not Alone. You are relevant and worthy.
How About that?
