Sanity of the mind

One of the definitions attributed to be being 'Sane' is having a 'Sound mind'. This also means that your mind is in an healthy state!

Hence being sane is about being able to understand, think and use your sense of reasoning. With all these, you are capable of making decisions for yourself and others as well.

And where do all these take place???

THE MIND( yup, you guessed right)

The mind is meant to absorb information, transform it into knowledge and lead it into action. (Times of India)

Looks simple right? but hope you know that the mind can be influenced. Of course it can and sometimes these influences come so subtly that we don't even realise our minds are being affected ( either for good or bad).

The thing is, the kind of activities we engage in, what we watch, listen to amongst others affect our minds and the types of feelings,thoughts that are formed in the mind.

We don't always get to choose what we see or hear as much as we may want to ,so we get to have different kinds of thoughts- good, weird, bizarre, silly, stupid😄 crazy ,fearful etc.
Like play, like play your feelings are affected and we begin to make decisions based on what we think and how we feel.

Uncertain times and the mind

If we had total control, I don't think we'd hear about the deaths, crime, poor economy, job loss and so on. We see them in the news almost everyday,

Just like there are unforeseen events, there are also uncertain times. We don't always know what will happen next and it's fine. You don't have to hit your head on the wall. So pandemic or not, there are matters beyond our control.

So like I said, we get to see,hear of , or even encounter disturbing events and as our minds take in the info, our thoughts, feelings are affected. That's why Worry, anxiety, depression is eating up people these days.

Simple tips on Staying Sane

1. You really have to make a decision to protect your peace of mind. It takes conscious effort I tell you.

2. Observe your environment and how it affects you- the people and activities you're in constant communication with , are they helping or making matters worse. The sad thing is people sometimes say things or do things that may scare the hello out of us unknown to them. (You may need to consider "social distancing" from places, conversations, words that would always drain your joy or peace.)

3. Be mindful of what you say and how you say it...it's no news that words are powerful. Be hopeful, talk hopefully.
Ehenn! have you been around someone who sighs a lot, any small thing "hmmm" ( I'm talking about the sad "hmm" o). You know say we get different classes of "hmmms". Another one is making statements that always end with you hissing...You try to say something hopeful and you now hissed on top...Haba! You've shattered the table already.

4. Do you remember that idiom " An idle mind is the devil's workshop" ? If you live life idly, be prepared for different kinds of thoughts doing 'ten-ten' in your mind.

Remember I said "social distancing" earlier. This doesn't mean you should just lock up and do nothing. By all means find something lively and positive to do.

You've got a skill? Harness it.
You have an idea? Work on it.
Looking for what to do? Read! Learn! As much as different unsavory stuffs are out there, we still have lots of beneficial info- do well to channel into such.

Now is even the time to build yourself as much as you can...

5. So you're worried about "what next". Instead of sitting worried, why don't you take a pen and paper, and write! Yes oh write!!! Put down what's bothering you, and think of what you can do to improve on them. Write out the ideas you get and begin to work as much as you can..Instead of worrying, PLAN!

6.Being broke : if you're facing financial challenges, you may consider looking for legit ways to build your income, re-structure your financial plan, restrategise your investment plans( if you need help, I've got a referral for you)

7. Smile!!!! : Make your aura cheerful. Stay positive.It even helps you think clearly sef. See ehn, you're not alone, there are many out there who can relate with you're going through. So please, take it easy. Free your mind. Even if you want to carry everything on your head, you can't handle it. Stay cool and calm and take things step by step.

One more thing, still try to put a smile on people's faces too. You don't have to do one big thing, just a little act of kindness, a text ,call or compliment can go a long way. Do not hesitate, you can never tell whose life you're touching.

Do this even makes you happier

8. Spend time alone. Make it a period of thoughtfulness. Reflect. Doing this helps you keep track of the kinds of thoughts dominating your life. With this knowledge, you can decide to filter out those thoughts that not improving you in any way.
Also, you can indulge in activities like taking a walk, workouts, listening to music, reading a book etc. or whatever it is that you like,just to unwind.

9. This last point is very very important oh especially to Christians. The Bible talk say the Spirit wey God give us no be Fear oo. But It is of power, love and what else? A SOUND MIND (Selah!) See 2Timothy 1:7.

There are times that I really feel helpless and there's nothing I can do. In those moments na God hand I dey. Even if you can do stuffs for yourself, truth is, it's still God's grace that is keeping us. I tell you. So trust God , meditate on scriptures, pray and don't lose faith. Do well to STAY GRATEFUL🙏🏻

I'd conclude by encouraging us to put whatever we've learnt or have been reminded of here into Action. These steps are practical. Feel free to drop what you learnt today using the comment section

Thanks..

Courtesy: Uwadia Esther