Mind Over Matter

Traffic jams, boss causing pain in the ass, visit from the in-laws, portfolio getting red, monthly credit card bills, spying on the partners, internet disruptions. Sometimes life sucks, and more often than not, people feel it physically as well as mentally. Specially, the work from home scenario these days is the new normal plus the real stress faced by all. Routine working in office environment was still a blessing for many, unlike hours of Zoom and Google hangout meetings. The complete routine has gone down in the lockdown days. No offence to the united step towards the breakdown of covid19 chain which was the necessity of the hour, but the change in routine lead to a pandemic of depression and anxiety for almost entire world.

A survey by The Mavericks shown in The Indian Express, tells that over 61% Indians suffer depression and anxiety. Furthermore, women are struggling more than men as their workload has increased significantly with them carrying multiple responsibilities without any assistance from domestic helpers, the survey added. I may sound feminist, but truth is truth. But we Indians feel shame in talking about it because we refer to every mind related problem as PAGALPAN. Mental health happens to be the most important thing in ones life, ironically, we Indians tend to ignore it because we think that, if anything goes wrong with the wiring in our mind that will eventually lead to regular visits to ‘dimag k doctor’ and then abandonment and mockery by the society. We people seriously need to believe that all kinds of mental problems aren’t pagalpan for god’s sake. We human beings have turned our lives to perfectly oiled machinery with grease on the difficult curves. But considering the fact that machineries get depreciated with span of time, we must understand that only adequate care can help in smooth working of the machinery.

Though mental problems like stress, depression, anxiety start in the brain, but they impact the whole body. For example, when we encounter a threat, the brain triggers a cascade of stress hormones, at the same time heart pounds, the muscles tense and breathing quickens. The power of the mind to control and influence the body and the physical world is what we refer to as the Mind Over Matter. Every individual is capable to control his mind and eventually control the surroundings. Once while listening to one of the Brahmakumaris, I discovered that it’s only in the mind that we get positive and negative energies from the outside world, but the reality is far different. All the energies generated inside our body, whether positive or negative, is the output of our own mind and the thoughts that we make up. Happy thoughts trigger positivism and vice versa. The company of our loved ones fill positivism in us while a thought of separation from them can shake you from inside.

Even though the brain is an organ, rather than a muscle, we can still give our brain a regular workout and rest accordingly from time to time. Just as with a muscle, repetitive tasks can dull or even damage your mental acuity, while new challenges and timely rest can strengthen our brain and even make us measurably smarter. Here are some easy tips to help you get a little smarter every day.

• Exploit your weakness.

Like some people who call themselves as morning persons must try doing something innovative at night and vice versa for the night owls. Sure they’ll feel a kind of stress in early days, which is a clear indication that our mind is exercising. We just have to push our limits and wait for something good to happen which is a like outcome.

• Play memory games

Giving mind a reboot everyday isn’t a task involving hours. You just have to give it 10-15 minutes and sometimes it can be a part of our routine activities. Whether it’s a low-tech matching game or a high-tech solution like Lumosity, it always gives measurable results. Memory really is the key to not just appearing, but also being smart. Imagine if you could recall everything you’ve ever learned. That may never happen, but if you can train your brain to be able to recall even a small portion of the things you’re currently forgetting, you’ll be smarter and more efficient in this competitive world.

• Raise your eyebrows.

       Trust me. While you may want to practice this tip privately rather than on the subway, you’ll be pleased. You may feel silly, but as soon as you try this tip, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. Raising your eyebrows opens your eyes wider, resulting in a slight adrenaline boost. You’ll instantly feel brighter and more alert.

• Read books that push your boundaries

Its okay to take small steps on this one, but reading is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Maybe you just commit to turn off the TV (which is much more passive than reading) and pick up a book—any book—once in a while. Perhaps you branch out from your usual style of book. The point is to read something that’s different from your usual fare because if you broaden your reading horizons, you’re getting smarter. Some of the books that can help in gaining some perspective about life are mentioned below:

• Try new hobbies

This brain exercises requires a bit of commitment, but it is also the one that just might give you the most bangs for your buck. Learning something new is one way to keep your brain on its toes and continual introduction to new challenges.

In one study, researchers assigned older adults to learn a variety of new skills ranging from digital photography to quilting. They then did memory tests and compared the experimental groups to control groups. Those in the control groups had engaged in activities that were fun but not mentally challenging such as watching movies and listening to the radio. The researchers found that only those participants who had learned a new skill could experience improvement on the memory tests.

They also discovered that these memory improvements were still present when tested again a year later. Some things you might want to try including learning a new language, learning to play a musical instruments or learning a new hobby. Not only will you be stretching your mind, but you will also be continuously learning something new as you keep expanding your skills and becoming more accomplished.

• Allow physical to help you mentally.

If you want to take care of your mind, you need to start by taking care of your body. Research has time to time shown that people who engage in healthy behaviours such as exercise, nutrition, and proper sleep are less susceptible to the declining associated with the aging process. Studies from 2006 even suggest that exercise can make you smarter and protect your brain from shrinkage as it ages. A research on mice in 2013 has even revealed that exercise can increase neurogenesis, or the formation of new brain cells, in the brain’s hippocampus which is known as the centre of emotions, memory, and the automatic nervous system. One study published in 2013 looked at healthy behaviours in nearly 2,300 men over the course of thirty years. Researchers looked at the participants’ behaviours and cognitive abilities starting in middle age tracked their progress throughout old age. The researchers found that men who practiced certain healthy behaviours were around 60% less likely to experience cognitive impairment and dementia as they age. These healthy behaviours included not smoking, maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index, regularly exercising, consuming lots of vegetables and fruits, and consuming a low or no amount of alcohol. So if you want to build a better mind, start by working on your physical health first. Go for a walk, start incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, and try to give up any bad habits like excessive alcohol consumption or tobacco use. Some of these might be more difficult than others, but your brain will thank you for years to come.

•  Draw a Map of Your Town from Memory

While you might feel like you can navigate the streets of your neighbourhood with your eyes closed, try challenging your brain by actually drawing a map of your town or neighbourhood from memory. No cheating! Try to include major streets, major side streets, and local landmarks.

Once you are done, compare your memory map to a real map of the area. How did you do? Are you surprised by some of the things that you missed? If you found this activity too easy, try drawing a less familiar area from memory, such as a map of the entire city you last visited, and try to label every great place you’ve seen. 

Navigating your way to the supermarket or doctor’s office might seem simple and almost automatic when you are behind the wheel of your car. However, forcing yourself to remember the layout of your neighbourhood as well as draw and label it helps activate a variety of areas of your brain.

• Try Using Your Non-Dominant Hand.

Some neurobiologists recommend using your non-dominant hand to strengthen your mind. Because using your opposite hand can be very challenging, as a result it can be a great way to increase brain activity. Try switching hands while you are eating dinner or when you are trying to write something down. It will be difficult, but that is exactly the point. The most effective brain activities are those that are not necessarily easy. Activity can be any that you probably do every day, but you might not realize just how beneficial it might be for your mental strength to carry it on in a different manner.

• Socialize

Studies from 2019 suggest that people who are socially active are also at a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Socializing tends to engage multiple areas of the brain and many social activities also include physical elements, such as playing a sport that is also beneficial to your mind. Even if you are an introvert, seeking social interactions can be beneficial to your brain in both the short and long-term. Some ideas for staying socially engaged to include signing up for volunteer opportunities in your community, joining a club, signing up for a local walking group, and staying in close touch with your friends and family.

• Talking to people or Speaking out about what is there in your mind

Sometimes its just lack of having a person to share your heart that makes a person frustrated. Mukesh, the music composer says, ‘ek din bik jaega maati ke mol, jagg me reh jaenge pyaare tere bol’. Finding someone to talk about what’s inside you is the toughest task to accomplish in this imperfect world. People are ready to set there Instagram on fire by posting ‘feel free to talk anything, #we_are_with_you’, but on a serious note how many will actually be there with you in your bad times. And if you have someone with who you can talk to, it’s a complete blessing. Another possibility, those who think they’re alone, you just have to speak out your grief, be it in front of some person or a diary or mirror, don’t keep it to yourself and make it bigger.

• Meditate

Talking about meditation, some people have illusions that meditation can only be done under the guidance of some gurus with a light music in the background. Those paying the regular subscription fees to such meditation centres are putting there money in trash chutes because meditation can be done at your homes also. You just have to close your eyes and try to shut your mind. Start it with 10 seconds. And with regular practice you’ll achieve bigger targets soon. Initially, despite of your best efforts you’ll feel varied thoughts popping inside your head. But gradually you’ll discover that you are able to control the popping thoughts, all you have to do is choose yourself and your peace over any other thought in this world.

• Stay curious

The more curious you are about the world, the greater the stamina of your concentration will be when it comes to any endeavour. Charles Darwin was a master of the concept, his contemporaries marvelled at his ability to spend an entire day just staring at animals and plants. Darwin’s secret was his unflagging curiosity – he could discover more and more about a single object by homing in on various details, examining it in different ways, asking new questions. Bit by bit he would peel back its layers.

• Attentive listening

Focussing isn’t only essential for your intellectual oiling but also for interpersonal skills. So making it a win-win situation for the speaker and the listener, next time you talk to anyone, just put away your phone and listen attentively. This will help you focussing your energy and strengthen your muscles overall.

• Dance your heart out

The Centres for Disease Prevention and Control notes that learning new dance moves can increase your brain’s processing speed and memory. In other words, bust a move on the dance floor and your brain will thank you. Watch an online video with fun dance moves you’ve always wanted to learn. Gather your friends and go line dancing.

• Use all your senses at least once a day

To give your senses and your brain a workout, try doing activities that simultaneously engage all five of your senses. You could try baking a batch of cookies, visiting a farmer’s market, or trying a new restaurant while you focus on smelling, touching, tasting, seeing, and hearing all at the same time.

• Music

The simplest way to turn on your creativity is turning on music. According to a recent study, it’s proven that listening to happy tunes generate more innovative solutions compared to being in silence.

• Focus on things around you like appearances and dressing of people.

The next time you interact with someone, take note of four things about them. Maybe you observe the colour of their shirt or pants. Are they wearing glasses? Do they have a hat on, and if so, what kind of hat? What colour is their hair? Once you decide on four things to remember, make a mental note, and come back to it later in the day. Write down what you remember about those four details.

CONCLUSION

Modernisation has made a lot many things easier for us, but also it has unleashed a tornado of stimuli competing for our attention. Amidst the cacophony of distractions, mastering the attention is a key to happy and successful life.  At the end of our life, what have we become and who all are there with us at the end depends on the choices we’ve made each day of our life. Will a series of cat fights over small issues flash before our eyes when we look back or we’ll remember happy times with our friends and family and the little achievements we have made in gaining people’s affection who are or aren’t a direct part of our lives?

I hope this series has gotten your attention towards the most important issue on which we happened to lose our attention with the passage of time and also because of the unwanted race we are a part of, that’s our mental health. And “Ignorance costs you more than you’ll ever know.”

“If you have a strong mind and plant in it a firm resolve, you can change your destiny.” ―Paramahansa Yogananda