Humans are resourceful. If something is going on that’s uncomfortable, we naturally try to escape from it.
Numbing is a common response to stress. We try to numb our feeling so we don’t experience vulnerability or uncomfortable situations or emotion… For some people, plain boredom is a reason to numb. It’s completely natural and we all do it!
Excessive numbing can use: Alcohol & substances, entertainment or social media, compulsive relationship seeking, over eating, over sleeping, over working, over spending (you can see the pattern.)
The catch is that after the initial euphoria and stress relief boost, we end up with increased depression, aggression, and anxiety. Unless we deal effectively, humans typically try to numb this stress, and the cycle begins again.
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Let’s say we are at home and our kids are running around screaming, our partner is asking us a million questions, and we’re working remotely; it would be easy to get overwhelmed and let those external stimuli get us worked up. But if we can practice mindfulness, like a body scan, meditation, or mindful walking, we will be better equipped to stay present and aware in those moments.
Click here for our round up of mindfulness tips and tricks in case you want to find a good fit for you.
Go you good thing :)