One way to improve your mental health is to learn to develop a mindfulness (mind focused) practice.
Over the last 20 years technology has advanced quickly and the world we live in has become a very busy place. As a result, our lives and our minds have become very busy, this makes it difficult to focus or concentrate. We attempt to multitask, but that causes us to become more stressed than productive. Doing several things at the same time successfully is impossible.
We all have an inner dialogue that occurs when we think. A thought pops into our mind and then we have choose what to do with that thought, either continue to attach problems to it or let it go and not continue to think more about it. Those internal conversations can cause us to be too focused on the future, which creates anxiety. Another problem with overthinking is becoming too focused on the past, which creates depression, or both.
The basic process of mindfulness (mind focus) involves setting up an idea for something you want to pay attention to (maybe your breath) and then when you notice you mind begins to wander you return your attention to this thought or action.
It is completely normal for your mind and thoughts to wander. However, when this happens we lose focus of what we are doing. For example, when driving we might be thinking about our grocery store list or a recent argument with a friend and because we are lost in thought, we miss our turn or exit and have to turn around.
Mindfulness (mind focus) is not about having and empty mind with no thoughts. Instead just notice when you are not paying attention to whatever action or practice you are trying to complete. You have to accept that your mind has wandered and not judge yourself or the thought.
Yoga can be a great way to practice mindfulness (mind focus). It is a form of moving meditation, focusing your attention on your breath while moving through poses. When your mind wanders during a pose you simply refocus on your breath and bring yourself back into the present moment.
Living in the present moment will improve your life, improve your relationships and improve your mental health.
For more information consider Village Center for Holistic Therapy.