Have you ever gotten to the end of a day and been exhausted because of the strains on your mental health? Did you have a disagreement with someone, feel taken advantage of, or stir over negative thoughts?
Yeah, . . . me too
Ruminations
Many years ago, there was a person who bugged me. They didn’t behave like I thought they should so I stewed. Instead of enjoying my life, I would ruminate over this person’s behavior, values, and actions. I’d lay in bed at night and have imaginary arguments with them instead of dreaming about my future.
It’s painful to admit, but the negative thoughts about this person went on for years. It took so much energy to be mad and it spilled over onto my other relationships.
The act of spinning negative thoughts in my mind had not only taken my time and energy, but they also had negative impacts on my body. Tiredness, stomach aches, and tension racked my body as I would let my negative thoughts tangle up my insides.
This was a waste of time.
And my thoughts led me to be anything but grateful, generous, loving, or joyful. They led me down a path of hatred, judgment, and revenge. The damage to my spirit could not be measured but it was certainly felt.
Disruption
In 2014, just two days before my first half marathon, I felt another blow from my nemesis. I had worked very hard to train for the event and didn’t want to let anything distract me. Instead of letting the toxic thoughts spin, I put them out of my mind and the negative ruminations were put off temporarily.
The race went amazingly well and it was more empowering than anything in my life. The immediate effects lasted for weeks, bringing joy to my body, mind, and spirit. On top of it, I realized that it was possible to set aside my feelings for a bigger goal.
This was a new insight.
Eventually, I asked myself the question, what is it that bothers you so much about them? Several questions later, my self-reflection gave me the answer. You can find it in my book. The answer had nothing to do with them and everything to do with me. They had touched a wound inside of me that needed healing.
What a revelation!
Body
During the time I was stewing on gloomy thoughts, my body could have been used to rid myself of this toxic energy. Working out, getting enough rest, and eating properly would have put me in a more productive and forward-thinking state. At the time, I did not understand the enormous impact these factors had on my mental well-being. The half-marathon opened the door to understanding how closely connected our body and mind are.
Spirit
There is no doubt that a faith-filled action instead of an emotional reaction, would have been healing to my toxic thoughts. Had I looked at my problem from a spiritual perspective, instead of an angry, emotional and wounded one, I could have seen the bigger picture. Instead of negative musing, there could have been gratitude for the healthy relationships I had, love for people’s differences, hope for understanding, reconciliation for the two of us, and a realization life’s events are our teacher.
Freedom
Once I figured out what was at the root of my harmful ponderings, I was immediately freed. My mind was no longer interested in spending its time on such unfruitful matters. Instead of walking down this dead-end street, it could concentrate on things that improved my life and the life of others. Energy came back into my body. It was no longer chronically tired from trying to control the thoughts and will of another human being.
This shows the connection between the thoughts in your mind and the effect on your body and spirit. It also shows the potential healing power of your body and spirit to influence the well-being of your mental health. Embracing this mindset will open a world of possibilities.
Questions for You
The health of your body and the state of your spirit can effects the thoughts in your mind powerfully. Using these tools is effective and doesn’t cost you a thing.
Body
Ponder how your body effects the state of your mind.
What effect does sleep have on the quality of your thoughts?
What effect does movement have on your ability to think clearly?
How does the overall feeling of your body dictate your attitude and outlook?
Spirit
Use the seven spiritual practices of faith, hope, gratitude, joy, love, meaning, and purpose to change the state of your mind.
How does gratitude impact your mental health?
How will loving both yourself and others improve your mental state?
How can finding meaning, even in painful events, improve your mental well-being?
Use your body and spirit to heal and strengthen your mind.