Getting into one’s head means to get stuck and ruminate on negative, intrusive thoughts. We’ve all done it. After getting stuck in your head, it is difficult to get out of your head. It is frustrating and sometimes dangerous to get stuck in your head. Most people can agree that it can be terribly difficult to get out of your head, and a person can feel like they are going crazy.
Nine tips on how to get out of your head:
You gotta want it: You have to want to get out of your head. Many times, we want to dwell on the negative because we are angry and/or we do not want to let someone off the hook that easily. We want to hold a grudge and we want them to know we are angry with them. Begin with the desire to get out of your head.
Eat right: We can create a mood with the foods we eat. For example, Sugar is known to cause irritability, anxiety, and worry, but what people do not think about is what sugar is. Keep in mind that grains (pastas, rice, breads, fruits, sugar, and potatoes) turn to sugar before hitting our bloodstream. Eating foods like Salmon, Blueberries, eggs, and pumpkin seeds can boost mood and decrease anxiety. Taken responsibly, Supplements such as Vitamin D, Magnesium and Ashwagandha can decrease anxiety.
Insert good stuff: Put something else into your head. Listen to an encouraging podcast or a meditation on YouTube, a favorite song or a trusted friend’s voice on the phone. There are even Christian meditations that I have found on YouTube. Find a stronger voice to overpower yours. When I am struggling, my go-to song is Whitesnake’s, “Here I go again.” I will listen to that song at the highest level possible (not to destroy my ears) and sit as closely as possible to the speaker. It probably is not good for my ears, but it is necessary for my sanity at the time.
Relax: Do something relaxing. An activity such as tennis or swimming, a bubble bath or Epsom Salt bath, or playing an instrument can work wonders. I do not play piano well but playing piano gets me out of my head. It is stress-relieving.
Read: When my son was young, it was so easy to redirect him. I could point to something random while he was throwing a fit and ask, “I wonder how they did that? Or “What do you think that is?” He would stop his kicking and screaming, forget all about his troubles, and ask, “What?” Sometimes we need to get our mind off of what is troubling us in order to step back and see things from a different angle. Reading a good book can help us do that.
Lights, Camera, Action: Activity is proven to help build muscle, endurance, and strength. It also delivers oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body, thus elevating mood and decrease stress.
Breathe: I have noticed that when I am stressed, my breathing is shallow. It is as if I am not breathing. When we take deep breaths, it lowers our heart rate, stabilizes our blood pressure, and decreases stress. One of my favorite four-year old’s began to have a raging fit one day as I spoke to him firmly as he was doing something unsafe. His rage was coming fast. As I yelled over his rage, “Breathe!” He immediately stopped, took deep breaths, and was able to listen to my further instruction and explanation. That four-year old taught me the importance and miracle of breathing.
Water: Drinking water makes your kidneys smile. Your kidneys help filter toxins. Toxins are created by an overload of stress, the food we eat, and the environment we live in. Drinking water hydrates us, too so that we can handle life as it comes.
Learn: I love to learn. When I am learning something new or more in depth, I am happiest. It is helpful to research and learn more about your stressor. For example, if your child with Reactive Attachment Disorder is creating a great deal of stress in the home, find groups, books, articles, and inspirational quotes. The more you learn about their struggles, the more you can get out of your head, into theirs. This blog may help.
