breaking free —

4 ways to free yourself from psycho-emotional barriers.

– Published in Clear Yo Mind –

 

We’re often made out to be our own worst enemies. Especially amidst times of growth and change. To me, a psycho-emotional barrier is an immaterial blockage that hinders progress — whether spiritual, emotional, financial, occupational, etc. Here, I attempt to give you 4 strategies accompanied with contextualized evidence of how such strategies are applied.

1) WALKING amongst nature:
Immersing yourself in a natural environment where it’s just you and your presence is the best way to surpass mental blockages. For me, a peaceful walk around my green neighbourhood is exactly what the doctor ordered during situations where I can’t seem to stop overthinking. Try it for yourself and go to your local park! You’ll be surprised what a walk in nature can do to your mood! 🙂

2) CONNECTING with those you love:
Intimacy — whether platonic, romantic, or relational — all provide a sense of belonging that enable the production of oxycontin in the brain. In addition, training the brain to automatically fire neurons. Thus, fostering companionship works to create a ‘fit brain’ through the promotion of neural transmission. Curating this communication and transferal of knowledge promotes brain plasticity as well. With all the positives associated with deeply-rooted connection, it’s one of my go-to strategies. Hence, I like to sit in the presence of those I love when my mind is fogged. It helps bring me back to the present moment. In turn, giving me perspective.

3) CREATION of anything and everything:
Whether this means cooking your favourite meal or painting a portrait — you name it — because any activity that uses the ‘creative brain’ (simultaneous use of the hippocampus and amygdala), aids in the expenditure of negative energy and emotions. Thus, releasing the thoughts and feelings that have created the barrier to begin with.

4) SELF-IMMERSION into a state of flow:
When discussing a ‘flow state,’ this can pertain to anything that makes you release your physicality. For example, for me, listening to music while writing forces me to focalize my attention. With two of my senses stimulated, the worries that occupy my mind are set free. While growing up, dancing and playing the piano aided me in reaching this state of flow as well. More often than not, the more creative you are the easier it is to reach this state — but one’s sense of creativity is not declared upon birth — it is created and exercised throughout one’s life. Much like a muscle. Give it a go… there is no right or wrong way to express yourself creatively! Be daring and do it shamelessly! Be free.

These are the 4 strategies I use when I hit a mental block, or more specifically a psycho-emotional barrier. For me, these barriers can manifest themselves as anxious thoughts, hopelessness, self-doubt, perfectionistic tendencies, etc.

These all hinder the healthy processes occurring within my brain. Learning over the years — through self-help and advice from clinicians — these 4 strategies work best for me. With this said, they work for ME. This does not necessarily mean that they will be your ride or die tactics as well. In writing this I hope to bring awareness to the struggles associated with facing psycho-emotional barriers. In hopes of normalizing the power they have over our physicalities and psychological health.

Thanks for reading! ❤