We are all aware of drug addictions, alcohol addictions, gambling addictions, etc., but most people never think about another very powerful and lesser known addiction—which is to our thoughts. I am not referring to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is a clinically diagnosable disorder involving repetitive and intrusive thoughts and/or behaviors. What I’m referring to is something more subtle and common that I would guess affects a high percentage of the American population. So what do I mean by “addicted to our thoughts?” What this means is a basic inability to “shut off” or slow down the constant commentary in our heads, even when we want to, but can’t. We all have a running commentary going on in our heads throughout the day. Thinking about what we have to get done for the day, the next day, the next week, what we’re eating for lunch, problems at work or home, traffic, etc. Constantly thinking about things from our past and then jumping into the future, only to be brought back to something in the past again. Judging , analyzing and assessing every little thing in your environment. Finding it hard or impossible to stop these commentaries when you’re trying to relax or worse, when you’re trying to fall asleep.

Now this is not abnormal or something to start worrying about (I think Americans have too many things to worry about as it is), but my point is that when you’re unable to slow down or stop these thought patterns, they begin to have an impact on your mind and your body as well. Case in point, sleep problems. How many Americans can’t fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night unable to stop thinking or worrying about things? Why is this? As a society we seem to have become accustomed to this being a normal part of life it seems-- when it’s not. Of course not all sleep problems are just due to an overactive mind, but I believe it can definitely be a factor to consider.

So how do you know if you’re “addicted to your thoughts?” An easy way to check this out is to just find a quiet space, by yourself, for 5 minutes and to close your eyes and see what happens with your thoughts and your body. If you can, try not to think about anything. Notice what type of thoughts come up in your head, how fast they change, your emotions and what’s going on in your body. For most people, just a couple of minutes can be difficult and they may even begin to feel agitated, nervous or irritable. As you notice your thoughts, see if you can slow them down or stop them completely. This is the foundation and basis of meditation of course, which focuses on taming our minds.

I’ve heard the mind described as being like a “monkey on your back,” and when allowed to do what it wants, it just bounces around noisily and out of control. The trick is to gain control of this “monkey” and to tame it over time. The benefits of doing this are endless, I believe, from providing a deeper sense of calm and relaxation throughout your day, more stable emotional states, decreased irritability, decreased negativity, more energy, better sleep, better concentration and more.

I’m not suggesting everyone has to start to meditate, although I highly encourage people to, but just being aware of your own mental activity is important. Being aware of what types of thoughts are going through your head during the day can also help you to understand why you may be feeling tired, angry, frustrated, etc. And wouldn’t it be nice to be able to shut them off when you want to? To go on your vacation, go home after work or lay down in bed at night and be able to put the monkey back in it’s cage? It is possible and highly beneficial not only for you, but for those around you as well.

If you should decide to begin to “tame your monkey,” just follow the steps above once to twice a day for 5 minutes to start, or more if you find that you enjoy it. The most important thing is to just do it. There are many techniques and ways to calm the mind, but the easiest I find is to just find what works best for you and your life. Again, finding a quiet place will be critical, but this could even be done on your lunch break in your car or your office if you can close the door or even your bathroom if you don’t have any quiet spaces in your house. Anywhere you feel comfortable is fine. It’s better to sit than lay down to prevent falling asleep, and you can sit in a chair or on the floor, again whatever works for you. It’s important not to judge this process and to just get started. If you feel overwhelmed at the beginning, don’t worry, it will pass with time and practice. It’s just that your mind is not used to trying to calm down. If too much emotion or negativity comes up, take a break and try again later. Afterwards, you may even want to write down a few notes about what you noticed, felt or thought.

If this still feels too difficult for you at the beginning, you can also try using some meditation or soothing music of any kind that you like which will also further relax the mind. Other tricks are just focusing on your breath, focusing on a phrase like, “I am allowing myself to relax,” or focusing on a word like, “peace,” “joy,” “love,” etc. Once again, find what works for you. This can be done a thousand different ways. They are all fine as long as it gives you the time you need to focus on yourself in a comfortable way. Whatever steps you take in this direction are positive so be gentle with yourself and patient, and stay open to whatever happens. There’s no right or wrong, just you making space for more peace in your life. Happy monkey taming!

Author's Bio: 

Tania is a licensed psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and energy healer in Los Angeles, CA. Tania has an extensive background in the Mental Health field as a therapist, clinical supervisor and clinical director with various non-profit agencies. Tania has traveled the world incorporating what she has learned from many different cultures as well as from her own ongoing personal/spiritual growth and evolution. Her website is www.mymindbodyhealing.com.