I was recently asked what a person should do if they can’t get their mind off something. In particular, this person was asking for tips on how to refocus their mind so they’re not spending so much time thinking about Myasthenia Gravis and how it is affecting them.
Focusing too much on any issue can be a problem, much less a health condition. While Myasthenia Gravis may at times control our bodies, we get to choose what controls our minds. It’s not always easy to refocus when problems seem insurmountable, but if we’re able to get our minds on something else, it can help make the physical aspects of this disease less burdensome.
I’ve tried just thinking of something else, but that doesn’t really work for me. My mind just seems to wander back to whatever it is that’s bothering me. I’ve even tried prayer because God always has my hand and is always willing to listen. The problem is, even when I pray, I find my mind drifting off and I find I’ve unintentionally abandoned my conversation with God. God hasn’t quit listening; I’ve left the conversation and before I know it, I’m once again focusing on my problems. It takes practice to keep your focus on your conversation with God and I continue to work on that, but until I have that perfected, I need another method.
You can try participating in some kind of physical activity. That might help refocus your mind. Jogging, exercising, or even mowing the grass can help move your mind to the project at hand. What I discovered with me, however, is soon after starting the physical activity, my mind somehow returns to my original problem. In other words, it helps temporarily, but once I get into autopilot mode and my mind is no longer needed for the task at hand, it quickly drifts back to thinking about whatever it is I’m trying to avoid thinking about.
I’ve even tried reading, but unless the book or article is riveting, my mind drifts off the story and meanders right back to my problems. Not saying this wouldn’t work for you, but it just isn’t the solution for me.
A better method for me is to play a word game, Mahjong, Arrows, or some other game on my phone or iPad. These games require constant concentration, and they keep my mind focused on the game. My mind doesn’t have time to drift back to the old topic. Playing these games for a few minutes gives me the break my mind needs from thinking about problems. Once I feel less stress, I can usually go back to regular activities without my burdens seeming so heavy.
I’m not saying it will work for everyone, but it seems to work for me. Give it a try. One caution, however. Some of these games can become addictive and you could find yourself spending more time on a screen than you’d like. Set a goal (i.e., I’ll stop at 9:00 am, or two more games, etc.) and then stick to your goal. Remember, moderation in everything.
If you have any useful tips on how to deal with minds that are stuck, let me know by emailing me at: [email protected]. If appropriate, I’ll be glad to share them with other readers of my blog.
Oh, and by the way, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! My brother-in-law sent us all a quote this morning. “May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door!”
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