SPOILER ALERT: People spend almost half of the time they are awake thinking about something other than what they are doing … and how often their mind drifts, is predictive of how happy or unhappy they are.
No kidding. There is scientific research to support the notion that “mind-wandering” is a mood killer, even if your not thinking about bad stuff all the time.
It’s when you do things like drive to work, work out on a treadmill or brush your teeth, that “mind-wandering” is most likely to kick in. Most often, the things that haunt you aren’t so great. Wouldn’t it be lovely to let them go? The past is gone, after all and the future is just a fantasy. All we really have is what’s going on right now.
I challenge you to try something new. For starters, pay attention to exactly when your mind wanders away from the task at hand. You may be able to recapture that time and put it to better use.
*** It was a little boy who said, “I’m the boss of me.” Eight years old and a wise soul, he objected to having to follow his parents’ strict household rules. He’s mostly right. He is the boss of himself.
You can be the boss of you too. If you truly want to increase your own happiness, look to science and the study of “MINDFULNESS” for a few new ideas.
What is “MINDFULNESS”?
One expert called it “the gentle effort to be continuously present with experience.”
Another explained ”MINDFULNESS” to mean “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”
There are mental activities with proven track records, which can help you be happier. You can choose to be the boss of yourself and do a better job of self-regulating.
Try This… Once you’ve identified “when” your mind wanders…. if you choose… indulge in a few of these tricks to interfere and change your old automatic and negative reactions.
1. Think about the most interesting and unique things in your world. Allow feelings of gratitude and peacefulness to flow through you.
2. Review, in your mind’s eye, all the good things that have happened lately, no matter how small. Allow yourself to feel gratitude and/or pride.
3. Revisit moments when you felt positive about another person who is important to you. Invite feelings of love and warmth to flow through you.
4. Think about connecting with your loved one in anticipation of a meeting. Concentrate on what is most wonderful about him/her. Feel the love.
5. Look forward and visualize good things that are about to happen. Invite feelings of excitement and anticipation in yourself.
6.Picture yourself brightening someone’s day… and don’t be surprised if you end up brightening your own in the process.
Want to read more about “MINDFULNESS?”
Read: “BOUNCING BACK,” By Linda Graham.
Email Dr. Linda
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