—TechRound does not recommend or endorse any financial, gambling, health or investment practices. All articles are purely informational—
Our consciousness connects to the world around us through the mode of awakening. When we are in this mode, we see how we distort reality with our endless thinking, analysing, and evaluating. The constant stimulation of the mind with gadgets also makes itself felt – we can’t relax, we can’t sleep, we feel tired and confused.
But things get easier when we focus on the present moment. We each consciously or unconsciously resort to our own ways to relax our brains, from drawing geometric patterns to playing Solitaire on sites like Solitaires. Here are some tips for those who want to learn how to de-stress offline and better focus on the current situation and moment.
Trust Your Brain’s Ability to Relax
First of all, it’s important to realise that your brain is capable of relaxing and you need to act on it. Do not doubt it – you can do it! A negative attitude towards relaxation techniques from the start is not the best helper in any endeavour, and on this path too.
Give your Brain the Support of Your Body
Much of the restlessness of the mind is caused by the constant tension of the body. That’s why it’s so important to give attention to your body before learning how to relax your brain. For those who lead overly active lifestyles, this may mean mandatory relaxation practices, and for those who constantly work at a computer, it may mean introducing comfortable physical activities; running, swimming, yoga or cycling into your daily routine.
Create a Comfortable and Supportive Environment
Use the psychology of colour – colours that are close to nature are known to promote peace, whereas bright and dark colours give a subconscious feeling of anxiety. Wear comfortable clothes made of pleasant natural fabrics, and create a separate corner in your room with a soft chair or cushions, where you will come to be in solitude. Leave your mobile phone in another room for a while.
Minimise your Multitasking Mode
It might not be immediately obvious, but constantly shifting our focus from one task to another can significantly deplete our mental energy. Constantly checking emails or being distracted by messages on your mobile phone splits your attention. Cultivate the practice of focusing on one task at a time and transitioning smoothly to the next.
Return to Yourself
To get into a state of mindfulness at the moment, regularly return to yourself, to your inner centre. Every time our thoughts are in the external world, our consciousness is lost. If you observe your attention throughout the day – you will notice that it is anywhere but with you. Once you notice this, gather your focus of attention and direct it to the centre of your chest. You will immediately feel your breath and a gentle calming of the mind. Practise this kind of attention work for 5-10 minutes every day, or as soon as you notice that you have “drifted far away from yourself.”
Let All Thoughts Pass Through You
Do it as soon as they arise. Choose one object of attention and concentrate on it, trying not to change it or give it any emotional colouring, whether positive or negative. Your task is simply to observe the chosen object, accepting it for what it is. It is natural for the mind to become distracted, and when you notice that your attention has drifted away, gently bring it back to the object of concentration.
It is important not to criticise yourself for having distracting thoughts or to analyse the thoughts themselves. Just observe. It is often advised to observe your inhalations and exhalations, and this can really help. Repeat this process for as long as it takes.
A Journey Back to Ourselves
The path to mindfulness is through simplicity: we stop, breathe, and quiet our minds. It’s a journey back to ourselves, relishing the presence in every distinct moment. Living in a digital world, we’ve come a long way from being able to be at peace without a constant influx of new information.
However, it is these skills that can bring us back to a more harmonious state of consciousness – and help us move towards our goals with much more enjoyment.
—TechRound does not recommend or endorse any financial, gambling, health or investment practices. All articles are purely informational—
