4 ways to unload your brain and get some alone time. Perfect for lockdown

During the lockdown period, you can finally pay attention to your desires and mental health by trying something new. After all, the task of preserving mental balance is more urgent than ever. Here are a few practices that will help you find harmony and get to know yourself better in your freed up time.

psychologist

Having new experiences creates new neural connections in the psyche, which allows the brain to actively work and assimilate more information.

Art therapy

This is a large-scale type of psychotherapy that includes various modalities such as story therapy, music therapy, bibliotherapy, mask therapy, etc. It aims to work with the unconscious. Try painting with watercolors – it’s a great relaxing activity. And modeling develops motor skills, does not allow the brain to “harden”. Meditate to special music, each playlist deserves separate attention and leads through different facets of the mind.

In general, this is a very broad topic that deserves a separate article. However, if you want to dig deeper into the problems with the help of creativity, you should consult a specialist.

Square breathing

One of the simplest and at the same time effective techniques for relaxation. This exercise will relieve anxiety, calm down and get rid of discomfort. Also, such breathing will give the opportunity to restore optimal muscle tension. This technique is also actively used by free divers. Relaxation promotes less oxygen consumption, which allows you to stay underwater longer.

Take the starting position (lying on your back is best). Direct your attention alternately to different parts of your body. Try to be aware of what is happening at a particular moment in the place to which you have directed your attention. Try not to evaluate or react to the sensations, only monitor them.

If time permits, explore your body in more detail (feel each finger or even each phalanx). Linger for a while on a selected area.

In Full Catastrophe Living, the author suggests this trajectory for moving your attention around the body:
start with the big toe of the left foot – move up the foot and leg – from the hips to the toes of the right foot – up the right leg – up the torso – lower back and abdomen – upper back and chest – shoulders – fingers of both hands – up the arms to the shoulders – neck – throat – attention on all parts of the face – back of the head – top of the head.

From time to time thoughts will inevitably drift away from the breath and body. This is perfectly normal. It is their nature. When you notice this, gently acknowledge it, notice what you were distracted by, and then gently return your attention to the part of the body you were going to focus on.