Re: What do you do to calm down?

[Anonymous]

What helps for me is remembering the times when my mind took me down pathways that were a complete waste of time, I am learning not to go there, or to realize that it’s a fantasy. I could spend hours and hours designing or thinking up new ideas that would never happen, even while I was doing things that I enjoyed and that were important to me.

I make a lot of lists of things that I want to/need to do, so when I go to bed I am not thinking about them. If I get an idea when in bed, I get up and write it down (not just a bedside note). Although I have way too many things on my list, at least they are there and out of my head.

Learning proper deep breathing is really good too (I teach it now to my yoga students). Deep breathing helps invoke the relaxation response and calms the mind and body down. Focusing on the breath helps with developing concentration.

I have been meditating for about 10 years now and it’s getting harder and harder for me (ritalin is really helpful in settling me down), but one useful thing a zen master told me was to think of unwanted thoughts as people knocking at the door – you can acknowledge them, but you don’t have to invite them in. Just tell them that you will see them in the morning (or if meditating, when you’re finished). Be firm and close the door – SLAM it if you have to.

I know this isn’t easy, but you might try it. Letting the mind run wild can also be a habit, it’s been that way for me, Mentally, I am like a free spirit (or a wild horse).

Since I’m new to all of this and only playing with taking my husband’s meds (I see my family doctor this Tuesday for the first time about ADHD), I wonder if your meds might need to be adjusted?

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