Mental Fatigue

Who of us hasn't sat down at one point or another in a day and felt the weight of tiredness brought on by an overly busy mind? It is so easy to fall into the mind. One doesn't really need a doctor or scientist to give us research on facts such as how much the mind is taking in, processing and filtering through at any given moment in an awake person's day. We can FEEL this...especially when we take a moment to just sit down and breathe. If you are like me, it can feel like a fatigue and can contribute to an inability to focus on just one thought (my grandmother would say scatterbrained!). In an average day, whether at work, home, or traveling, etc. we are all filtering by our senses processed through the brain all kinds of information including smells, sounds, sights. That filtering (of the senses) is happening as well as the mental body noting our agendas keeping us on track. Not to mention the mental rehearsal of our lesson plan, upcoming discussion with a colleague or boss, and/or do we have the ingredients needed for dinner tonight. Just as a meager example. And all of this can be happening what feels like simultaneously in our minds as we juggle our day(s) to a constant beat.

On one hand, it is amazing to think (ha!) about all that we are able to filter, process and do within the moments of life! And yet, there can be a price to pay such as fatigue. This often comes with not enough balance of just living in the present moment.

I know that if I don't purposefully take some time in my day to do things like breathe, sit quiet, be outside for a moment practicing presence (even just the presence of being fully involved in what I am doing like writing) when I get home with my son and pets I can be more easily irritable, short of patience and find it difficult to focus on what now needs to be the rest of my day with him and our life after work (and school).

What are some tools to help guard against this mental fatigue or check out? As I just mentioned, purposing to take maybe a few minutes of a lunch break for a few deep breaths, walk outside( if able), stand up and stretch. There is spending a few moments in gratitude...just very tangible things such as how good your food tastes at lunch, savoring each bite. Or sit with a favorite colleague and really listen to what they have to say, be present with them. Did I mention do some stretches!

To remember to take just a few moments in your day to purpose on quieting the busy mind, inviting all of the filtering, thoughts and ideas to slow down can go a long way to feeling rejuvinated and vibrant. How do we remember to do this in the heat of our busy days?

A weekly yoga asana class can be very beneficial in lending us the practice of accessing breath and mindfulness while on our mats in the calm. With consistent work, the transition of taking that practice off the mat and into our day(s) by remembering to take moments in our day becomes more accessible and is so invaluable! I know that when I do this, I go home with more energy and presence of mind for my son and whomever I cross paths with after a long work day. Remebering and embodying that life is truly in the moments.

"If you cannot find joy in peace in these very moments of sitting, then the future itself will only flow by as a river flows by, you will not be able to hold it back, you will be incapable of living the future when it has become the present. Joy and peace are the joy and peace possible in this very hour of sitting. If you cannot find it here, you won't find it anywhere. Don't chase after your thoughts as a shadow follows its object. Don't run after your thoughts. Find joy and peace in this very moment."

A absolute Lovely reminder from Thich Nhat Hanh

Blog written by Chanda

No AI involved (ever in any of her posts)