Happens all the time. A client or reader will ask me how I pulled myself out of all those years of anxiety, alcohol, and mood hell – and manage to have half a brain left. It’s good to be able to simply reply, “A. S.A.N.E. M.I.N.D.”
Sharing: Isolation – holding it inside – never did anyone with mood or anxiety woes any good. Each and every one of us needs at least one confidant.
So I wanted to come up with an easy, yet thorough, way of telling the tale – providing the inquirer with insight s/he can process and put to work right away.
I’m pleased with what I came up with, and it’s great to have it here for easy reference. But let’s see what you think…
A. S.A.N.E. M.I.N.D.
- Acceptance: How could we hope to manage our circumstances if we won’t accept them? Now, I’m talking acceptance, not acquiescence. Years ago, I came to believe a convergence of predetermined biology and environmental stressors generated my mind challenges. That being the case, to this very day I believe there’s no “cure.” But that’s okay, because I’ve learned to use acceptance in managing my endowment.
- Sharing: Isolation – holding it inside – never did anyone with mood or anxiety woes any good. Each and every one of us needs at least one confidant. Could be a friend, family member, counselor, coach, mentor, clergy – whoever. Believe me, a natural and ever-evolving relief is fostered by verbal processing, support, and encouragement. None of us are rocks or islands.
- Assertiveness: From psychologydictionary.org – “A style of communication in which individuals express their feelings and needs directly to the other person, while maintaining respect for others and keeping emotions under control.” For my money, the “communication” is verbal and behavioral – and puts the kibosh on people-pleasing.
- Nutrition: What we choose (not) to eat and drink can be a huge difference-maker when it comes to managing mood and anxiety misery. In fact, the evidence has become so compelling counselors are being encouraged to include nutrition in their treatment plans. Do your due diligence and initiate healthy dietary habits.
- Exercise: Good for the heart? Yep. Good for the rest of the body? Yep. And the same applies to our mind. Exercise is a great tension/stress reliever, and does wonders for our self-esteem. At this point, don’t get hung-up on complications like “How long?” or “How often?” Just get movin’!
- Mindfulness: Simple definition from Wikipedia – the intentional, accepting and non-judgmental focus of one’s attention on the emotions, thoughts, and sensations occurring in the present moment (which can be trained by meditational practices). It’s a mental discipline that can be applied in so many ways, and it’s acquired and expanded with practice. Best of all, it’s a powerful intervention for mood and anxiety junk.
- Imagination: Our thinking can become so internally focused and distorted. How could we ever catch a glimpse of a tomorrow worth living without imagination? How, then, could we ever find a measure of hope? Given all of the negative – destructive – things we create in our minds, I’m sure we can amp-up our imagination to help us see past another day.
- Nurturing: We beat the tar out of ourselves! Need I say more? We need to make self-care a priority. We really do deserve it.
- Drive: I can’t tell you where I’d be without having forced myself – time after time – to push forward. I would not be writing this post had I not. Don’t ask me where the drive came from, but when I called upon it, it was there. And it can be for you, as well. No matter what else you do, continue to push forward – drive.
What do you think? Now, I know meds, supplements, procedures, machines, psychotherapeutic techniques, etc. may be part of your sane mind formula. But I wanted to share the gut-level – in the trenches – components that led me out of the woods.
That’s a Wrap
Perhaps you’d agree – when it comes to managing our mood and anxiety woes, we tend to over-complicate things. Yes, so often we miss the forest for the trees. And so I’m hoping the simplicity of A. S.A.N.E. M.I.N.D. makes it easier for you to establish and maintain same.
Please give it a go, okay? And pass the message along to those in the same boat…
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Hey,
Sharing: Isolation- holding it inside- I like this one. It reminds me how human beings internalize negative emotions in isolation waiting for a solution to happen. But in reality we must face our hopelessness or negative emotions in order to start healing.
If we control our emotions we control our lives. and one way we can
eliminate feeling bad or getting negative emotions to rise inside of us is by finding a way to be aware of them. Sometimes when we are active in our own world we ignore these emotions and we go directly into consuming or making bad decisions so it can change our emotional state. But as always because of this form of thinking and emotional immaturity we fail to live normal lives. It’s not impossible but working on emotional awareness is key. It’s even helpful if we know the root cause of where our emotional negativity comes from so we can detect it and work on it our in our present moment. Our emotions are root causes of inconclusive experiences that we ignore or numb away with drugs or alcohol. There is hope for everyone, just be aware of your emotions.
Recently been reading here and I like the content. Thank you.
All the best,
Ricardo
Hey Ricardo!
Welcome to Chipur, and thank you for participating. Oh, and thanks for the double-take pics. What can I say? When you got it, you got it. Right?
Excellent observations, and I’m glad you shared. I especially like “But in reality we must face our hopelessness or negative emotions in order to start healing.” You nailed it. And, yessir, there is hope for each and every one of us.
Appreciate your visit and comment, and pleased you like what you’ve read here…
Bill
Hey Bill,
Didn’t know it was a double take picture, sorry learning how to do these things. Technologically dumb :/ . Again, thanks for your post.
All the best, : )
Bill
Just bustin’ your chops. Best to you too, Ricardo…
aint technology, especially new, a pain in the you know where? i am so impressed how bill has developed this site….
Well, thank you, Nancy. Good to have you back…
Bill
I am such a fan of these abbreviation lists because that is basically how I memorized the “hot topic” stuff in grad school. Your lists click in my mind, and they click in the minds of those with whom I share because they really are practical. Sure, people may want to “skip” a step here or there initially, but the truth is if any of us can begin to implement the pieces we can, as we can, and stop worrying about implementing perfection (one of my struggles) we have a chance for better peace and comfort. I am so glad you found your way out of your anxiety, alcohol and emotional distress to become the leader you are in mental health resources. Thank you for sharing this with us.
You, my dear, are good for the ‘ole ego. Always appreciate your visits and participation, Patricia. You’ve helped many a reader with your very personal insight(s). Where/what would Chipur be without you???!!!
Bill
sweet wish for all of us….
Here’s to some of that equanimity you mentioned in the ruminating piece…
Bill