If you are like me, it is quite easy to get lost within your own thoughts. I talk to myself constantly, not out loud, but within my anxious mind. I always have something to think about.
I've noticed there are times when I need to focus on my environment around me instead of the whispers in my head, or when I need to think more positively than I have been. These are the moments I've learned when I need to silence my own mind.
When you are anxious in a social situation
I am a socially anxious person. The worst thoughts come to me whenever I enter a situation I'm not used to, involving people I don't know. I think people are looking at me, judging me, when in fact they couldn't care less what I was doing. I put too much pressure on myself in these environments where I become uncomfortable and my thoughts become uncomfortable. My thoughts get the better of me, making me believe I should just leave when in reality, I'd be happy if I stopped listening to myself and enjoyed the company.
Thinking negative thoughts about yourself
Any self-deprecating thoughts are useless. Telling yourself you are not good enough will not help you go any farther towards your goals. Think constructive and positive instead. Practice thoughts that better your wellbeing, that don't tear yourself down. You have to believe in yourself first for others to believe in you.
When you are bored in class... and really hungry
I don't know about anybody else, but for some reason, my mind thinks class is the best time to plan out my next meal. I'm not the only one who gets bored in class, but we all know it's quite important to pay attention whether our minds start to wander or not. Taking notes have started helping keep my thoughts on track, as well as thinking of questions and getting into discussions.
In a conversation with others
How many times have you noticed that when talking to others, you try to bring the conversation back to yourself? You may not be doing it on purpose since you're only trying to contribute to the conversation, but an important part in being in a conversation is LISTENING. Listen to what the person is actually saying instead of thinking about what you are going to say next.
Starting to judge others
Even to yourself, this thought process is a bad one to start. Why judge others when you could focus your time on more positive thoughts and feelings? Don't judge others for being themselves. They say keep your negative thoughts to yourself, but I say try to not have them when they aren't necessary.
The moments before trying to fall asleep
If you don't know the struggle of late night thoughts keeping you at night and can just go out like a light, you are truly blessed. I will have an existential crisis before bed or think back to an embarrassing memory from ten years ago frequently. My mind never has enough to worry about right before bed. Trying to control my thoughts at night is one of the hardest things to do, because there is no place that they will not go.
Zoning out while driving
Another common thing everyone does yet is terrifying to think about, zoning out while driving. How many times have you gotten from point A to point B without really remembering how you got there? Muscle memory takes over while driving a route you've taken many times, but your attention should be on the road regardless.
Watching entertainment live
This one is more out of respect than anything. People can tell when you aren't paying attention. When there is a live audience, it is crucial for the audience to be paying attention and not having their mind wander off. Being a former performer, I can say we definitely feed off the audience.
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