As Descartes and Billie Eilish once said, "I think, therefore I am," and as the saying goes there is no enemy that is bigger than your thoughts. While actual mind control belongs in science fiction, you can work to change your mindset. Here are 8 ways to “control your mind”–
1. Recognise that your mind is a TOOL
As with every other bodily component, your mind is a tool. For example, you do not prepare dinner with your feet or read a book with your hands. Old habits die hard and some cycles get redundant, ending up not serving you anymore. If you let your mind wander, it will naturally focus on negative or unproductive ideas at your expense. It is very hard to control our thoughts, but you can deliberately introduce a thought. So, let us start by saying no to self-sabotage.
2. Shift your Focus
You have two minds: subconscious and conscious. The subconscious does routine activities, whereas the conscious mind is an active thinker—your subconscious functions similarly to a computer, continuously carrying out pre-programmed behaviours. Your conscious mind can rewire your subconscious to take control of your thoughts, but it will take work and practice to do this. To break bad habits like overthinking, check your thoughts and block unfavourable patterns. For example, if you see yourself focusing on something unhelpful, instantly redirect your attention to something pleasant or the current moment. You may progressively rewire your subconscious by doing this consistently
3. Mind-Body Connection
It may be quite difficult to control one's mind. When you're anxious, urging yourself to "calm down" usually has the opposite effect, and advising someone else to relax seldom helps. This can increase stress and even harm relationships. Instead of attempting to relax your thoughts, concentrate on your body. The nervous system comprises the brain and its connections throughout the body, and engaging in physical activities can help you control your mood. When you can't control your thoughts, try a mechanical technique like deep breathing, stretching, or moderate exercise to assist in relieving tension.
Your body language influences not just how you interact with others, but also how you think. Next time you're feeling worried, consider letting go: sit comfortably, open your posture, breathe deeply, and talk slowly. This can help you relax, just as your thoughts can impact your body. Check your body language throughout the day to stay calm and in control.
4. Get adequate rest
The brain is built to be very flexible in the early stages of development, allowing it to build and customise neuronal networks. As we age, the brain continues to use existing algorithms and circuits. This flexibility, known as neuroplasticity, refers to the brain's capacity to reorganise itself by creating new neural connections. When you concentrate intensively on a task, acetylcholine is released. This chemical identifies the neurons engaged in the activity for modification. However, the true neuroplasticity process, which causes these changes in the brain, takes place during deep sleep and relaxation. Thus, obtaining enough sleep is important for brain health and leveraging the potential of neuroplasticity to achieve more control over your thoughts.
5. Live in the present
Many of us go about our regular lives without prioritising our mental health. We understand the implications of not performing chores or neglecting our pets, but we frequently overlook the importance of mental health.
As you practice maintaining self-awareness in every scenario, you will begin to notice your thoughts and emotions and understand how they impact your behaviour. Negative emotions should not be ignored or suppressed in order to control one's thoughts. Instead, notice your feelings and ask yourself, "What is this emotion trying to tell me?" Accept your feelings and learn from them. Similarly, resist putting off joy until certain future events or achievements occur. Rather than constantly expecting the next big moment, take satisfaction in where you are now. Appreciate the ordinary, seemingly routine events, and you'll be on your way to gaining control of your thoughts. Learn how to ground yourself!
6. Practice Meditation
Meditation helps to govern the mind by promoting a state of calm and concentrated awareness. Concentrating on your breath or a specific mantra trains your mind to be present and reduces the effect of distracting ideas. For example, someone practising meditation can concentrate on their breathing, observing each inhale and exhale, which helps them stay in the present now. This exercise gradually improves your capacity to tolerate stress and maintain emotional equilibrium. As a result, meditation promotes inner serenity and improves overall mental discipline.
7. Restructure your thoughts
Cognitive restructuring is another effective method of mind control. Through identification, challenge, and replacement with more realistic and positive thinking patterns, this strategy aims to detect problematic thought patterns. For example, if you find yourself thinking, "I'm terrible at this," try changing your perspective to something like, "Everyone starts somewhere, and I can get better with practice." This way you could develop mind control and cultivate a more optimistic outlook with the aid of this method.
8. Be grateful
Make it a daily ritual to take a moment and count your blessings. Anything from a delightful cup of coffee to a nice discussion with a friend might qualify as this. Maintaining a gratitude diary might be extremely helpful. By focusing on the positive parts of your life, you may teach your mind to seek out and appreciate the wonderful things around you. This simple technique can improve your attitude and allow you to see the lighter side of things.
To control your mind, you must be patient and consistent. It might be helpful to establish a routine that incorporates self-reflection, mindfulness exercises, and positive affirmations in order to reinforce new thinking patterns and behaviours. Keep going, even on difficult days, as small steps forward add up over time.
Sometimes you need expert help to control your thinking. Seeking assistance from a therapist or counsellor may be beneficial if you are experiencing anxiety, sadness, or recurring negative thoughts. They can offer you the instruments and techniques you need to better control your thoughts and feelings. I am aware that this is easier said than done, but keep in mind that asking for help is a show of strength rather than weakness. Speaking with Healo the World's Most Advanced AI Therapist for Emotional Health & Happiness can be an excellent place to start if you want further advice on mind control.
