Hello, all! I am so glad that you have rejoined me for another fun-filled trip into my madness! 🤣😂🤣
This week, I am talking about a topic that just occurred to me recently. And that is how your nervous system plays a HUGE role in your mental health and well being. Let me explain.
First of all, in a lot of the research I have been doing on the subject of your nervous system, I have come to the conclusion, based on several sources that we as humans – earth things – are not meant to be exposed to so much stress, whether it is internal or coming from outside forces.
It’s as if we are operating on survival mode 24/7, much like our ancestors having to fight wild animals for safety, and having to hunt for our own food. You know, the whole fight or flight thingy. But why in such a day and age of comfort and gadgets and technology, we are all still so damn stressed, anxious, nervous, and suffering greatly from mental health challenges?
And for us Gen Exers, a huge fight or flight mentality was definitely during the 1980s with regard to the whole Cold War phenomena and worrying that we were going to be annihilated because of nuclear war at any moment!!!
Currently, human beings are exposed to SO MUCH negativity, including the threat of war. Our current everyday existence consists of:
- Having to pay bills.
- Having to work for a living, which BARELY meets our needs.
- Having to go to college and study hard to get a job that won’t pay.
- Having to pay taxes!
- If you have children, that’s an added stress and responsibility.
- The news!!!!! (MAJOR source of stress and anxiety)
- Living in a world that, for some reason, wants to destroy itself – i.e. threat of nuclear annihilation, climate change, and (yes, the constant wishing for The Rapture – that never comes!)
- LIVING UNDER THIS CURRENT, CARTEL/CRIMINAL ADMINISTRATION!
- All of these differing opinions and belief systems, i.e. not only politically, but also with regard to religion.
- CRIME!!
- Worrying about your health!
- Healthcare! Or the lack thereof.
- The threat of healthcare, etc., being taken away.
- Car breakdowns/expensive upkeep of cars.
- Lack of transportation!
- Trying to find a relationship or maintain one.
- Not making enough/having enough money!
- Worrying about going backwards in time, but not in a good way – if you catch my drift.
- And if you are a child (and of course a parent), worrying about going to school and whether or not you will return home safely, because the flipping people in charge don’t think we need sensible gun laws!!!! 🤬
- Speaking of, the feeling that NONE of us are safe anymore ANYWHERE!! We could get gunned down simply shopping at the grocery store, restaurants, EVEN church, and as we all know by now that schools are no longer a safe place.
- And these days, just being around other people are causing people anxiety and stress!!
And the list goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on…
We are constantly in a state of heightened anxiety, constantly in survival mode. And out of all this can most certainly arise physical health challenges, such as heart disease, stroke, and mental health disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, and even suicidal ideation.
Our systems are not designed for all this madness and chaos. And as adults, we believe or have been conditioned into believing that that is just the way it is. We cannot do anything about it. It is a never-ending cycle of BS! And I talk about what it is like to REALLY be an adult. Please see that clip below:
But what can we do to counter all of the madness?????
One of the tricks I have learned to calm my nervous system is, in the morning before I get out of bed or the first thing when I get out of bed, I place both hands on my heart and breathe in for 5 counts, hold for 5 counts, and then blow it out for 7 counts. You are supposed to do this 3 times in a row. I also believe you are supposed to feel your heartbeat as you do it. I am finding that it really does relax me.
Also, mindset. I am (slowly but surely) changing my mindset with regard to anxiety and lack. I calm myself down with affirmations and am striving for having a more relaxed attitude and calmness. I have even slowed down a bit more, and for a Taurus that is saying A LOT!! (We are known for moving at our own pace.) 😂
I have been saying for a long time now, but MEDITATION and MINDFULNESS is a great relaxation technique. Just sitting quietly, no thoughts. Allowing the everyday nonsense to leave your mind. Focus on your breathing. Focus on how your body is feeling. Focus on how YOU are feeling.
Every day, I try and do a check in with myself – at noon, at 3 p.m. and at 6 p.m. How am I feeling? How is my body feeling?
And really just STOP. Just stop and sit and relax. Listen to calming music. Watch something funny on TV. (I find that laughter helps me TREMENDOUSLY!)
And finally, when I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I just repeat the word “calm” over and over in my mind. It really helps. I slow down. My heartbeat slows. It really works!
In the end, as the old saying goes, we may not be able to change what’s going on in the outside world, but we certainly can change how we feel and how we react to it.
That’s it. Short and sweet. For a change. LOLOLOL Anyway, please return when I tackle the subject of pop culture of today. I am probably going to rant and rave on this one. So, don’t miss it!
Until then, please be safe and, as always, mentally well!
And here are a couple of videos on the subject. I do hope they help. 😉
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 😊).