Let’s accept it! We all have that- The monkey mind. The mind that doesn’t stop wandering and overthinking. “The monkey mind” is a term used to describe the human tendency to jump from one thought to another, just like a monkey swinging from branch to branch. Our minds are constantly racing, and it can be challenging to focus on one task or thought for an extended period. This can be frustrating, especially when we are trying to be productive, meditate, or sleep. However, there are ways to tame the monkey mind and cultivate a sense of calm and focus.
Here are tried and tested 7 strategies to help you do so:
Practice mindfulness:
When we talk about mindfulness, the first thing that comes to mind is meditation. But this is not so, mindfulness is simply a practice of being present in the moment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without getting caught up in them. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of the thoughts and emotions that arise in your mind and learn to observe them without reacting to them. You can start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and bring your attention to the present moment.
Meditate regularly
Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the monkey mind. It involves sitting in a quiet place and focusing on your breath or a particular object. When your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath or object. Meditation can help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and focus, which can carry over into other areas of your life.
Limit your distractions
It has become a habit of people to start their day and end it by scrolling on social media. We all look for running away from problems through means of such Distractions. However, can feed the monkey’s mind and make it difficult to focus. To reduce distractions, try to limit your exposure to social media, email, and other forms of digital media. You can also set aside specific times of the day to check your phone or email, instead of constantly checking them throughout the day.
Develop a routine
Developing a routine can help train your mind to focus on specific tasks. Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule, meal schedule, and exercise routine. When you have a routine, your mind knows what to expect, and it becomes easier to focus on the task at hand.
Engage in physical activity
Physical activity can be an excellent way to calm the monkey’s mind. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress. Exercise can also help you get out of your head and into your body, which can be beneficial if you tend to overthink.
Practice gratitude
I personally think that this is the most powerful practice to incorporate into your life. When you focus on gratitude, you train your mind to see the positive in your life, rather than dwelling on negative thoughts. You can start by writing down three things you are grateful for each day.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body. When you don’t get enough sleep, your mind can become foggy, making it difficult to focus. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and try to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Wrapping up
Taming the monkey mind takes time and practice. It requires a willingness to be present with your thoughts and emotions and to cultivate a sense of calm and focus. However, with patience and persistence, you can learn to calm your mind and live a more peaceful, focused life.
Written by Jaishree Nenwani
Author of “Tiny Habits Massive Results”
Based out of New Delhi, India Jaishree Nenwani is an Author, blogger, and homepreneur. She is passionate about journaling and loves to share wisdom and journaling tools that invoke deeper authenticity and Personal transformation.
On her blog (https://getsethappy.com ) she writes about Self-improvement, Personal growth, and ways to become happier in your life. Know more about her at https://jaishreenenwani.com
