Do you find yourself getting caught in a negative thought loop, ruminating about something that happened in the past or wondering about all the ‘what ifs’, worrying about the endless to-do list or indulging in a little self-criticism? We’ve all been there. Usually surfacing when we’re lying in bed at night or at 3am when we should be sleeping, this nagging mental chatter, sometimes known as the ‘monkey mind’, is a common experience. It’s believed that humans have over 60,000 thoughts every day and 90% of these are repetitive! While your inner dialogue can be one of your greatest strengths in helping you solve problems, this running-in-circles thinking can also be a source of stress and anxiety. It might be affecting your sleep and impairing your productivity and motivation. The good news is, there are many ways to quieten the nonstop chatter in your mind and enjoy a little inner peace.
- Meditation
Practicing meditation regularly can help to calm the mind and bring you back to the present. It can help you regulate your nervous system, manage stress, enhance mood, promote healthy sleeping patterns, and support overall wellbeing. Studies show that meditation can literally alter your brain activity.1 There are many different meditation techniques available, so it’s important to find one that resonates with you.
Some involve focusing on a mantra (a repetitive word or phrase), concentrating on your breath, a mental image, sound or an object like a candle flame. Others involve sitting in a comfortable position, lying down or even walking. You can find your preferred meditation practice through a qualified teacher or by using one of the many apps and online videos available. Try to practice at the same time each day to develop a habit, perhaps first thing in the morning or just before bed. Even 5-10 minutes a day will provide benefits.
- Yoga, pilates, tai chi or qi gong
- Breathing techniques
Diaphragmatic breathing involves lying down in a comfortable position (maybe in bed at nighttime before you get you ready for sleep). Place one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Slowly inhale through your nose feeling your stomach expand. Exhale through your nose and feel your stomach relax. Try to keep your chest as still as possible. Repeat for 5-10 rounds.
- Other (Music, journaling, exercise and aromatherapy)
- Calming ingredients
Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Relax is meticulously crafted with easily absorbed magnesium and calming lavender to help you switch off, unwind and turn down the mental chatter. It also helps with excess nervous energy & tension, while relieving symptoms of mild anxiety as used in traditional Western herbal medicine.
The rest of the Mega Magnesium range can help with other contributing factors with Mega Magnesium Night encouraging deep, restful sleep, and Mega Magnesium Energy helping to charge internal batteries and bolster energy levels.
References
- Better Health Channel, 2015, Meditation, viewed 29 August 2023, <https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/meditation>
- Woodyard C, 2011, ‘Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life’, Int J Yoga, vol 4, no 2, p49-54
- Huston P and McFarlane B, 2016, ‘Health benefits of tai chi: What is the evidence?’ Can Fam Physician, vol 62, no 11, pp881-890