30 March 2011

Living in the Now - how this helps to combat Depression.

Living in the now - I know this sounds strange, but so often we dwell on what has happened or what could happen! If you dwell on what has happened, you're living in the past and can't seem to let things go. Maybe they are not negative things , just things you're constantly remembering, your memories. This is fabulous, but , be careful that this is the only place you're dwelling. It's important to feel comfortable with what is happening around us on a daily basis.
If you think too much about the past, your memories, you will not always have your wits about you in your everyday life. Opportunites might pass you by, friends might start to overlook you and you become increasingly isolated. All this will increase your depressive state. If your memories are not good, well, obviously you will then keep yourself locked in your depression , trapped by your mind.
If you are planning too far ahead by worrying about what could happen, well then , you are also not present. The exact same thing happens to you. You are so focused ahead of yourself that you miss the important events that are happening right now. The worrying clogs your brain functioning, causing you to become overwhelmed and highly stressed . All this will naturally affect your mental health.
The Present: Stay focused on what is happening as it happens. When you are riding a bike, just concentrate on that and look around you enjoying it- think of nothing else. When cooking, only think of that. Refer to my previous post on Multi tasking, this give more info.
The Past: The past is important as it is from this that we learn and move forward in life. Take lessons from your past, be aware of what you've learned, but then try to let them go. If it has not served you well in the past, it will not serve you well in the future.
The Future: Planning ahead is very organized for certain events, like a wedding or party etc, but worrying about future events is energy sapping. Try to be aware of your thoughts of the future. Are you planning constructively or worrying?

I hope you will try to live in the present - it helps to keep you grounded and focused for your daily living.
Take care
Deb