The Mental and Physical

I have struggled with ‘overthinking’ all of my adult life.

Sometimes it's worrying about future scenarios that will never happen. Other times it’s stressing about a past mistake from years ago.

Either way, I’ve experienced the inner turmoil where your mind takes over and your thoughts run rampant.

This week, I want to share a conclusion I made on this topic which I have yet to fully realize in my life. I’m hoping that sharing it will help both of us out:

Thinking yourself out of a mental slump is almost impossible. In other words, it is very difficult to out-think your anxiety, stress, and depression…in my experience, they always win.

Instead, you should focus on doing something physical. I believe that going on a walk, lifting weights, hiking, playing pickleball, etc does far more good than thinking ever will.

I’ve had many moments when I’m sitting alone in my room trying to combat negative thoughts with positive thoughts. It seems logical right?

However, it isn’t effective. What I find most beneficial is when I get up and do something. Even walking in circles will do more good for you than sitting down with your thoughts.

Your physical self and your mental self are supposed to work together; They aren’t two unrelated parts of who you are. You don’t have to combat all mental challenges with mental solutions, in the same way you don’t have to combat all physical challenges with physical solutions.

At the end of a marathon, when the body has nothing left to give, runners look within. They make it to the finish line relying on their mental fortitude when their feet are bruised and their muscles are cramping.

In the same way, when your mind reminds you of an old mistake, worries you with made-up scenarios, or tries to convince you of a false story, try turning to the physical aspect of who you are.

Go do something you enjoy. Play your favorite sport. Go on a scenic hike. Hit the gym.

Whatever it may be, the message remains the same: Don’t try to out-think your mind. Instead, get up and do something physical. It proves far more beneficial than fighting your thoughts with more thoughts.

I hope this week’s message resonates with you. If so, consider sharing The Hemingway Post with a friend.

It’s never comfortable sharing these intimate details about my life with hundreds of others, but I know that someone needs to hear it.

This is also a reminder to myself as I continue to grow. I hope it will help you do the same.

Keep making progress. Change for the better. Live the Heming-way.

Til next time,

Trevor

p.s. God bless the veterans and their sacrifices to give us the ability to enjoy the beautiful world we live in.