Feeling worn down, stressed out, and unable to focus on what matters? Here are some of the best ways to focus your mind, and begin to feel like yourself again.
Mile-long to-do lists. Errands for work and home. Take care of the two-legged and four-legged kids. Cook, clean, work, repeat. Does this sound familiar to any of you?
We all feel stressed and anxious at times, and that can often mean our minds work overtime. If you are anything like me, your mind can come up with 101 worst case ‘what if’ scenarios in 0.2 seconds flat! No, really, I’m serious. It’s bad, y’all!
Our minds are a powerful tool that can either work for us or against us. First, we must become more aware of what we’re thinking about. Are we thinking limiting thoughts, or being our own best friend?
As we think, we change the physical nature of our brain. As we consciously direct our thinking, we can wire out toxic patterns of thinking and replace them with healthy thoughts.
Dr. Caroline Leaf
I’ll be honest with you, my friend. Learning how to focus our mind can be a bit of a challenge. It isn’t really hard, but it is something we must be persistent and consistent with.
It’s a journey and a process. Being patient with yourself as you grow on this journey is critical to your success.
So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful, and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always.
Philippians 4:8
Curious how we can be better, and do better, then? Good! Here are some of the best, and most simple, ways to help calm and focus your mind, so you can get back to thinking on what is worth thinking on.
Get Some R & R
Feeling detached, unfocused, and unproductive? Some R & R (rest and recreation) therapy may be just what the doctor ordered!
We often feel like every moment of our day must be spent being ‘productive.’ It’s one of the most perpetuated myths out there if you ask my humble opinion; this notion of, “I must stay busy to be successful.”
How often have you read something like, “Do these 10 things before 5 AM to be a winner in life.” Or, “5 Ways To Be A More Productive Human Being.”
Please don’t misunderstand me. I believe in productivity, and the feeling of fulfillment it brings. The problem isn’t being productive. It’s in feeling we must be ‘on’ all of the time.
The next time you feel burnt out and unproductive – do what seems like the most unproductive thing: go rest, take a nap, or do something you simply love to do.
Turn the technology off. It can be both a blessing and a curse. So much of our overwhelm in this society is the direct result of unrealistic expectations, social media and this lie of “I’ll miss out if I don’t have ____, or don’t ____.” Don’t buy into it!
I promise you this, you’ll find yourself re-inspired, clear-headed and more able to focus your mind on the task at hand. Try it and see, with a 100% money back guarantee! 😉
It’s not always that we need to do more but rather that we need to focus on less
Nathan W. Morris
Seek Out Counseling
Whether it’s traditional counseling, coaching, speaking with a pastor, friend, or family member, reach out for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life’s burdens.
It can be a great way to help you discuss your problems, thoughts, and feelings with somebody who is impartial and not involved emotionally in any way.
A therapy session can be useful to help us look at some of the feelings we might have in a different way. It can also provide us with the tools needed to overcome our inner critics.
Let’s face it – we all have patterns in our lives we’d like to overcome. Whether it’s from childhood or adult experiences, getting an outsider’s perspective can get us past those emotional roadblocks keeping us from moving forward in life.
Think On What You’re Thinking On
Ever noticed how sometimes, you don’t even realize what you’re thinking until your mood changes for the worse? Or, you suddenly feel anxiety you weren’t before?
Sometimes our thoughts can run wild, and leave us feeling stuck or unsure of ourselves. Thoughts become feelings, and in turn, anxiety and depression can fester and enable those thoughts to get worse.
Focusing on, and correcting, your thoughts can help you to feel better about things and allow you to move forward in wholeness.
When we begin to question the validity of our fears and negative thoughts, we take away their power. Put your worries, fears, and negative thinking patterns on trial. Fight back against the lies.
Thinking about what we’re thinking about gives us enough emotional distance from the thought that we can begin to say, “Is this really true?”
If it isn’t true, it’s garbage. What do we do with garbage? Well, we throw it right on out where it belongs!
If it is true, what steps can be taken to improve in that area?
Recommended Reading: Battlefield of the Mind
Have An Attitude of Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul
Amy Collette
This easily could have been #1 on the list. One of the best ways to focus your mind is to focus it in the right place.
We’re not aiming to live in fantasy land where everything smells like roses and a problem never exists.
Instead, we acknowledge the not-so-great circumstances in our lives, and choose to be grateful for the ones that are great!
Even if all you can find to be grateful for is the yummy cup of coffee you had or the water on your desk. Start there and let that attitude of gratitude build!
You can feel grateful for anything in your life.
A healthy habit to get into would be to decide on three things to feel grateful for before you go to bed. Or, if you’re a morning person, wake up and write down those three things you’re choosing to be grateful for that day.
Once you start to do this it will become more natural and you can incorporate it throughout the day.
The more we feel thankful, the more positive and happier we feel with our lives. Try it and see for yourself.
I’ve been amazed how much of a difference this change alone makes when my attitude turns sour!
Prayer and Meditation
As a Christian woman, I adore the quiet, still moments, spent in prayer and meditation. When we choose to focus our minds by letting go of what we can’t control, we can find freedom.
I love being still in body and mind, focusing on breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly. This tip alone has helped me refocus my mind and calm my racing thoughts.
Meditation in its many forms can offer you some stillness to just simply be present in the moment, no agenda, and no pressures.
Exercise Brings Clarity and Creativity
Exercise is not only great for your physical health. It is also, hands down, one of the very best ways to focus your mind and improve your mental health overall.
I honestly can’t tell you how many times I have felt completely stuck on a problem with no solution in sight. Nevermind all those miserable moments of writer’s block.
The fix? Get moving! It can be as little or as much as you’d prefer. Either way, just get those bones up and moving around.
Whenever possible, get outside. Nature, all by itself, is a powerful healer. Paired with exercise, you’ll find the benefits to be incredible.
Exercise can give you a natural high because of all those endorphins. I promise you, the next time you find it hard to focus your mind, try this tip!
You will be amazed, just as I have been, how incredible the change is. Not only will you feel more at ease with yourself, but you’ll find creativity you didn’t even know you had.
How Do You Focus Your Mind?
We won’t kid ourselves. Learning how to focus our minds in helpful ways takes serious commitment. We will experience some good days and some not so great days.
As I mentioned earlier, show yourself some grace as you grow. In time, with consistent effort, you’ll not only be able to focus your mind better, but you’ll feel happier and more content within yourself.
What tips and tricks would you like to share about the ways you’ve learned to focus? What has helped you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
If this article has encouraged you, I’d love it if you shared it with your social media friends and family. Thank you so much! I appreciate you more than you know.
Bountiful Blessings To You & Yours,
I always love to read your blogs. Such wisdom and relatability. I’ve been in a season of feeling unproductive but only because I’m focusing on what matters and that doesn’t feel as productive as when I have tangible results to look at. I have to keep prayer as my map! Thanks for this post Holly! You’re truly a gift!
Oh Shell, honest to goodness, your comment nearly brought tears to my eyes! Wow, those words hold some serious weight coming from you. Thank you my dear friend for such a touching compliment.
I wholeheartedly understand where you’re coming from, Shell. It can be difficult to retrain our brains to not feel like we must be ‘doing something’ at all times. As you say, being able to see those tangible results.
One way I started looking at it is like this: what kind of tangible results am I expecting to see? Is it words on a page, something to do with home life, etc? What if the tangible results I’m seeing is now a more peaceful heart and mind? What if the tangible results we feel is a closeness and intimacy with Father God? I feel like we have to remind ourselves that those tangible results are no less important than the others. In fact, lasting results will only come when we have the results most of the world seems to care less about. Does that make any sense at all? My brain is starting to shut down for the evening, ha ha! 😀
You’re right, prayer must be our map. I’m with you on this one. There’s no doubt about it – when we need to be doing more, Holy Spirit will show us what we ought to be doing. If we need to simply rest, He will nudge our spirits to come close, rest our weary head and simply just be. That’s all the productivity we need, my friend! 🤗
Thank you again for being you, Shell. Those words, “You’re truly a gift,” touch my heart in a way I can’t describe. It’s not something I’ve really encountered in my life, hearing such love and support. You bless me each and every time I read your posts or your replies to mine here. YOU are truly a gift and I am eternally grateful our paths crossed. Sending you my very best love.
“What kind of tangible results am I expecting to see?” That’s a wonderful question when we are in a season of deep personal transition, developing family, improving faith. Since the results are less tangible (i.e., your relationship with a child won’t improve overnight, faith being stronger can only be seen through trial, etc.), it can be a hard question to answer but not impossible. When we ask it that way, maybe it’s a day without arguing and teenage angst or seeing we are worrying less about what’s out of control. I’ll have to sit and journal this one out!
I’m slowly learning to love the quiet and enjoy the little noises that come with not always being “on”. The tangible results there look like being able to sit still for ten minutes and be okay with it, being able to hear the whispers instead of only shouts (that will preach), and being able to appreciate the emptiness as much as the overflow (blog topic?). Those are definitely a good start! You may have inspired a good Bible Study too, Holly! Imagine if we taught this to our kids early and showed them how Jesus took time away to seek God, showed them examples from scripture of what the stillness looks like and how God responded and how folks got stronger… oh this excites me!!
You should be told more often that you’re a treasure to be cherished. I believe we don’t remind people we value them as much as we should. If COVID and the lives lost this year to a variety of situations have taught me anything it’s that I’d rather sound cheesy and weak sharing my emotions than appear strong and see someone leave this earth without ever knowing how much I truly valued them.
Have a beautiful day today Holly! Keep writing. You’re one of the blogs I love to come visit. I ensure to see the notification and read it as soon as possible!
I absolutely LOVE what you said, Shell. Your reply just about made me jump up and shout a big ol’ HALLELUJAH! You know, it is incredibly refreshing to me when someone ‘gets it.’ I know we all have unique personalities, and we won’t always see eye to eye, that’s okay. But there is just something so amazing about like-minded folks coming together and sharing their thoughts. Amazing! We are so much better, stronger, and more effective when we each use our unique voices, talents, anointings, etc. and bring them all together. It’s beautiful.
I adore your idea of journaling all of this out. What a great idea! Journaling is something I need to get more disciplined at. Writing is therapeutic, and it is a tool (as you know) that God uses so frequently to speak to us.
Your second paragraph is just too powerful for words, my friend. You’re right – whispers vs shouts will *definitely* preach. If you are anywhere near as hard-headed as me, I hear you! 😀 I’d also love to read your blog about enjoying the emptiness and stillness as much as the overflow. What an incredible topic to write about! There is so much beauty we miss out on while we’re in transition. We spend so much time looking forward to the ‘next part,’ that we forget to truly appreciate the right now, even when it’s hard. I’ve found that God’s presence is always the strongest in my life during my toughest times. He’s so good that way!
And yes!! I agree. Teaching kids early on in life that there’s beauty in stillness would be a ‘game changer’ for many of them. It goes against the grain of what society has said is acceptable. Our greatest achievements are not in our busiest moments, but in our ability to appreciate the stillness. I really believe that. How often have we taken a time out, gotten still before the Lord, and received a powerful download that was exactly what we needed, when we needed it?
Your kindness to me in this comment really profoundly touched my heart. Thank you! I agree wholeheartedly with you about what COVID has taught in not taking a single day (or moment) for granted. If sharing love and emotions is weak, I’m hopeless. Ha ha! It’s so important people know how much we value and appreciate them. Most people simply want to be ‘seen’ and known. Not in an egotistical kind of way, but in a righteous kind of way. Knowing we are loved changes our lives. It has mine!
I don’t even know how to say thank you for all you’ve done, and for the love you’ve shown me. From the bottom of my heart, I love and appreciate you, Shell. You are beautiful – inside & out! 🤗
No need to say thank you Holly! We just keep supporting one another and continue be the lights we are. God is working and doing amazing things!! Bless you!!
I am standing in agreement with you — God IS working & doing amazing things. There has been a shift. Do you feel it? Struggle is still there somewhat, but I feel Holy Spirit’s comfort that big things are coming for those who have been steadfast in faith, even during times of lack. I’m praying nothing but God’s very best favor all over you, your family, your businesses and your life. 🙏🏼
Oh yes!! Definitely a shift in the atmosphere! I’m so waiting with expectancy for what He is releasing into our lives and how we will use those gifts!
Ah Holly! We can always rely on you to be our ‘go to girl’! You’re amazingly inspirational and helpful, and I am always so grateful when I get a notification of a new post from you, because I just know there will be something in there that I need to read 😉 <3
Thank you for being you, dear friend. Much love to you <3
Meg! You are something special! Reading your comment absolutely made my night! I have no words that would sufficiently say thank you for all the love and kindness you’ve shown me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Sending all of my deepest love, many hugs and blessings your way. You’re amazing! 🤗
Lots of love to you always, Holly. And please know that I mean every word <3
This is a fantastic, timely post, Holly! Finding balance and perspective can be so challenging at times, especially now. For me, every moment my hubby and I are on the water sailing is an absolute gift for which I’m most grateful. When I’m in the water, I feel untethered yet humbly connected to all life’s treasures. My body is free to move, despite my injury, and it’s such an amazing feeling… and it’s fitness gold! It’s a gift for the soul. How I wish everyone could feel this tranquillity. Thanks so much for sharing another gem. Stay safe, stay well, stay awesome! xo
You are absolutely right, Natalie. Finding balance and perspective in today’s world can be very difficult. So many negative forces are working against us to rob our focus, joy, and creativity. That’s just the start of it!
Ahhh…. I love what you described with you and hubby being out on the water sailing. Oh my goodness, that sounds amazing! I can see why you feel so free and unencumbered by life’s stressors. My heart is glad for you, having an activity that brings you so much joy, and can be shared with the one you love. Beautiful!
You are precious, Natalie. Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, and for your sweet compliment. I am grateful for you! ♥
I loved reading this.
I found studying mindfulness really helpful to learn to focus my mind.
Some really great suggestions! And nature, just being in nature, is so calming or peaceful. For me driving through nature is, too. Everyone will have different things.
I’m looking forward to being able to exercise without being dizzy.
Love, light, and glitter
Dearest Eliza, I am so grateful you enjoyed reading this! You’re right, mindfulness is very helpful for focus. So often, we truly aren’t as aware as we think we are about what we’re thinking and feeling. Especially for those of us who have battled dissociation – it’s easy to not be aware at all. To simply be numb.
Oh yes, I 100% agree with you about nature, including just driving through scenic areas. I feel the same as you. Sometimes just a change in our environment is all we need to refocus and find our ‘song’ again.
I am most definitely looking forward to you being able to enjoy life, exercise, and anything else you desire without the ill effects you’ve been dealing with. 🤗 I long for you to experience wholeness in every area of your life, my friend.
Sending love and healing prayers your way. Thank you for another thoughtful comment! ♥ I appreciate you!
Thanks 💕
One day I will.
Starting a zoom MBSR course this week and hoping to do the same face to face when they do it. I also like that idea because it’ll mean doing the course twice and maybe after 4 months of doing it I’ll actually do it more!
Do you live near/in nature?
Wow Eliza, I hope you find the course helpful. Most of all, I hope you really enjoy it!
I do live in a very rural area. It’s on a peninsula, so the ocean is on one side of us, with the bay on the other. Although, I must admit, I miss where I used to live in the mountains. Water is beautiful, peaceful, and amazing, but for me, there’s something magical about those mountains! Plus, there are so many trails and nature preserves to explore. I love it!
How about where you are? Sending love to you! 😘
It sounds gorgeous.
I live in a town, sorry, city. But it’s not like London. I live in a greener part. There are loads of parks and hills in the distance of you drive just a few minutes. Loads of trails though I don’t know most. Found out about a couple just here during lockdown….
Isn’t it funny how lockdown has made us appreciate (and seek out) nature that much more? I’m grateful you have found a few places you can escape to and get a nature fix. It’s incredibly healing for our hearts, minds and bodies. ♥
Wonderfully uplifting. These times can get us down.
Hi, Michele! It is wonderful to hear from you. 🙂 Thank you for your sweet compliment! I am glad you found this post uplifting. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that! You’re right, these crazy times we’re living in can definitely get us down. They’re doing all they can to steal our peace, joy, focus, and anything else possible. We must learn to fight back and keep on appreciating what is still wonderful in our lives, even when we have to hunt a little bit for it! 😉
Sending love and gratitude to you for sharing your thoughts. ♥
Wonderful post as always Holly .Gratitude is so important and it is true that if we keep our minds focussed on the right things , only then we canbe at peace.Never to forget counting our blessiings inspite of what comes our way. I love that you mention R & R , just reading that helped me relax 🙂 .
Isn’t peace a beautiful gift, Nisha? I agree with you… keeping our minds focused in the right ways offers us freedom from all the negativity and nonsense that is all around us!
I smiled when I read your comment about R & R. I’m a big believer in remembering to enjoy life. We have so many pressures, worries, and responsibilities, that if we don’t intentionally take time to ‘simply be,’ we can easily lose our way and become overwhelmed.
I adore hearing from you, my friend. Thank you for yet another amazing comment!
“We often feel like every moment of our day must be spent being ‘productive’” < YES, this is exactly how I feel! I think I’ve said this on my blog somewhere before and remembered thinking I should write a post on this unwritten rule because it’s a big issue in its own right. It’s like we’ve equated productivity and busy-ness with value and self-worth. We must be busy busy busy. I remember one place I worked for frowned upon any breaks, and it was almost like a competition to see who could work the most, work the longest and work themselves tirelessly enough. If you’re not busy, you’re not doing it right. I carry this way of thinking with me now but that’s because if I’m not busy I feel consumed by guilt. That only got worse after losing my last job because of all the surgeries. Those sorts of thoughts become ingrained, and they can rule our lives and negatively affect how we feel about ourselves. It’s only reinforced by the other unwritten rules in society and of course mass media that keeps telling us we need to do more, be more, be more productive.
This post has come at just the right time for me. It’s been a bit of a hellish week and I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this flat out busy. It’s making me more sick but there hasn’t been much choice because things have needed to be done, but I am definitely in need of a break. I’d like to get back on an even keel as soon as I can and I’d like to move forward a little more healthily and without the guilt. Meditation is another one of those things I’ve always wanted to integrate into a regular routine but never have, so I’ll make more of an effort to do it. I need to make more of an effort to do less and stress less and generally care less, too. A shift in mindset can help.
Another amazing post, Holly! xxxx
“It’s like we’ve equated productivity and busy-ness with value and self-worth.” — YES! Amen, my friend, amen! I could not agree more with you. That’s exactly what it is. It’s a twisted idea that people who value times of rest are lazy, no good nothings who will never amount to anything in life. To me, it’s bizarre. If you want to see an unproductive and unsuccessful me – sit me down at a task to be completed when I’m burnt out or exhausted. It’s like asking a cat to do something they don’t want to do! 🤣 It ain’t gonna happen!
It breaks my heart to hear you suffer from feeling guilty when you’re not busy for the sake of being busy. Most of all, it makes me angry with how we have this ‘silent’ societal expectation to begin with. The job you speak of — it makes my blood boil. Sadly, it is far too common to hear those very words. I can’t count how many jobs I had where they would say, “If you’re not busy – just *look* busy.” What the heck? How does that accomplish anything at all? Breaks are not something to be shamed. They should be celebrated. Studies have proven countless times over that countries who not only allow multiple work breaks but also promote them, get far more done in fewer hours. Gee, I wonder why?
Dearest Caz, please get some well-deserved rest. You don’t have to earn a break! Your body, mind and spirit all need some time to simply be still. Do something you love just for the sake of loving it. Take those naps. Do whatever you need to do to be healthy and happy. Work will always be there. Losing your health for any reason is never worth it, and I know you know this better than most folks do. I am so sorry your week has been hellish. Show yourself some love and grace, my friend. What advice would you give me if I were in exactly the same shoes as you? Now show yourself that same compassion, please! 🤗
Please know, you are so very loved by me and so many others. Everything you do is noticed, appreciated, and cherished. Most of all though, you are cherished and that means you must take care of yourself. I’m sending my most heartfelt prayers and healing hugs right over to you. I hope they find you resting, relaxing, and getting some much-needed R & R! ♥
Good post, it is important to talk about this. I always found it interesting how nobody really taught me how to focus yet I am asked to be focused all the time growing up. These tips are wonderful, love that R&R is on top! People often forget this, super easy to get lost in our tasks and responsibilities, but if we are constantly drained, there is really nothing we can give to life and our relationships, no?
Hi Markus and Micah! It’s wonderful to hear from you! I appreciate your thoughts more than you know.
Yes! Exactly! I agree wholeheartedly with you both – it is very easy to get lost in the busyness of life. And I agree with you again – if we are truly drained – we have nothing left to give, to others or life in general. Our mental health suffers, our physical health suffers, which means our relationships suffer too. There may be no such thing as ‘life balance,’ but knowing when to simply rest is a big key to our success. 🙂
Great post and great tips. It reminds me of the acronym F.O.G – “F”ocussing “O”n “G”ratitude – helps to clear the fog in our mind.These are trying times and posts like yours really help. Thank you!
Hi, Michelle! It’s really nice to hear from you. Thank you for such a fantastic comment!
I adore that acronym. You’re right – focusing on gratitude definitely helps clear out all the junk that’s hiding in our minds. When we’re going through struggles in our lives, it’s easy to overlook even the small things we have to be thankful for. What’s small to us may be HUGE to someone else. Despite our difficulties, we really are blessed! ♥ Thank you for your compliment. You warmed my heart! I’m grateful for you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
Morning Holly! I just love your posts! I can’t wait to open my email when I see a notification from you. Your encouragement and wisdom keeps me on my toes and helps me when I am feeling stressed! Keep them coming! Hugs! Christina 🙂
Oh, Christina! Are you trying to make me teary-eyed? Wow, what an amazing compliment! In all sincerity, I am deeply touched by your words. It’s ‘funny,’ we never see in ourselves what others seem to see, do we? Why are we so dang hard on ourselves??
I am incredibly grateful for your comment and your friendship, Christina. Honestly, you may never know how badly I needed to hear those very words today. When I opened your reply to this post, it was the encouragement I needed at this very moment. Thank you for being you. You are truly something special. Love you, my friend. 💕 BIG hugs headed right through this virtual highway to you…
Awww now I am teary eyed! Love you too! 🙂
I like your R&R advice. After all these months of staying indoors and tonnes of work seems to be building up. And absolutely, it’s important to focus, I sometimes think a lot about what am I doing, where’s life headed especially on my stressful work days and I realise that I feel more stressed than before. It is important to find ways of staying happy.
Amen, Nisha! I agree. It does feel like it’s building up. Do you have any local parks or nature reserves near you? If so, find one that’s open and get you a breather in nature. It’s almost miraculous how much that helps physically and mentally! 🌺
Getting stuck in our heads is no fun. I agree, and I understand all too well what you mean. I think that’s why R&R is so important. We need that change of scenery and time to simply relax. Without it, life becomes entirely overwhelming.
I value your thoughts. Thank you for sharing lovely! ♥️
Yeah that’s a wonderful idea. Will go to a local park in the weekend and spend some quality time there
Sounds like a perfect plan. I sincerely hope you enjoy it, Nisha. ♥️
These are some fabulous tips Holly! I found myself nodding my head in agreement with each of them. I really loved your statement, “When we begin to question the validity of our fears and negative thoughts, we take away their power.” This is such a struggle for many of us, and learning that we CAN take away the power of our negative thoughts is so freeing! For me, spending time with the LORD each morning is vital in this battle too. It helps me remember who and WHOSE I am, which helps me silence my critical inner voice and the thoughts that try to run rampant through my brain. I make a Gratitude page for my planner/journal each month and try to list those things I’m most grateful for. It helps remind me, when I’m having one of those days, that I have a lot to be thankful for. Thanks for another fabulous post with lots of tips we can easily apply!
Terri, if you don’t mind my saying, I think our brains are on the same wavelength. Two peas in a pod perhaps. 😃 We seem to have similar posts on our minds around the same times, and often feel the same way about any given topic. It’s refreshing I think? Finding likeminded individuals to share with is a blessing!
Your comment honestly moved me deeply. I relate to you and that nasty inner critic, as you know. But what you said about spending time with the Lord is beautiful and true. You’re right, allowing Him to start our days with an identity refresh stops some negative self talk before it even begins. I agree wholeheartedly with you – it IS freeing when we realize we don’t have to believe or come into agreement with all the junk we feel or think. WHEW! What a change, right?
I adore your gratitude journal as well. What a blessing you are, Terri. I appreciate you, your heart and your inspiration more than you know. You are deeply loved. Most of all, the God we serve is incredibly proud of you. ♥️
Hello Holly, thank you for dropping by my blog. Your post on looking inwards to cultivate one’s peace of mind is much appreciated. I think one often overlooks that the activities of daily life can be quite consuming, especially social media, and it is good to know when to switch off and let go of what you do not need. x
Hi, Dippy Dotty Girl! Forgive my delay in reply to you! It was a joy reading your reply to my post. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I appreciate you!
I couldn’t agree more wholeheartedly with you about ‘switching off’ and giving ourselves time to just simply be present – with no deadlines, expectations or pressures. We need that, and without it, we can often fall apart!
Sending my very best to you. Thank you again for your thoughtful comment!
No worries at all, Holly, and you are welcome. I hope you are well. x
If we focus on the positive side of things our lives will be far better. The negative just drags us down and that’s a whole that’s sometimes very hard to climb out of.
Excellent post on how to do it right.
Have a fabulous day, Holly. Big hug. ♥
Amen, my friend! No one could have said it any better. ♥️ Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Sending big hugs right back to you. Praying your week is blessed and full of laughter. 😊
Holly, I love this! Amen to all of it. Finding balance is so hard. I love your wise and thoughtful words. I was fortunate to see Dr. Leaf in my hometown of Branson, MO this last January. I’ve seen Joyce Meyer at conferences. Most days I begin with meditation, my YouVersion studies, and a lot of gratitude. Keeping my mind and heart open for the space of grace is essential to my well-being~as is physical movement. I’m so glad to have found you and your focus! God bless you! 🤗💕
Aw, what a sweet comment! Thank you! 🤗
I agree, finding that elusive balance can be a challenge. I think we’d find it much easier if we stopped being so hard on ourselves though! What do you think?
Wow, lucky you to have seen Dr. Leaf and Joyce Meyer! Both of those ladies are powerhouses with an anointing on their lives that is indisputable. I love them both. I imagine you came away from both events feeling energized and challenged, in a good way of course.
I love also how you begin your days. Isn’t it amazing how being in God’s presence sets the tone for our day? He can breathe life into our dry bones and give us the focus we need to take on anything that comes our way. ♥️ Everything you’ve said caused me to shake my head in agreement.
Many hugs and much love headed your way. Thank you for this incredibly kind comment. God bless you! 🙏🏼
HE is amazing indeed. Many hugs and love to you my friend! God bless you. 💚🤗❣️
Definitely. The “I musts” and the “do, do, do” are the most taxing on me. Calming the mind of such chatter also calms the body. Thank you for your encouragement.
Hi, Tim! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I agree with you – the “I musts” and the “do, do, do,” are absolutely exhausting! Isn’t it amazing how simply focusing on our breathing calms the body and mind? We have such simple, yet powerful solutions right at our fingertips.
You are welcome for the encouragement. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight with all you do!
Another amazing article!
I know exactly what you mean about racing thoughts. And it seems like it’s been a lot worse since March, when we were told to stay home.
Taking a walk outside always makes me feel better and refreshed. It’s like a brain reboot. Even if I can’t take a walk, just sitting outside can do wonders.
I love what you said about focusing on what we’re focusing on. Sometimes our thoughts get away from us and lead us down a path of negativity, especially when we’re watching or listening to the news.
And I love Dr. Caroline Leaf! I love listening to her podcasts. 🙂
“It’s like a brain reboot.” I LOVE that and it is absolutely true. I agree with you — these have been some tough days. Getting outside definitely helps us to feel less cooped up, and the fresh air never hurt anyone. 🙂 Especially not when the view is as beautiful as yours! 😉
Isn’t Dr. Caroline Leaf great? She shares nuggets of wisdom that really get you thinking. What you said about our thoughts is absolutely true. It seems like we really have to be aware, now more than ever, what our old minds are up to! I truly believe it is the devil’s playground because he can take us on a trip to nowhere good so fast that our heads will spin! We’ll be down in the dumps before we know it. Sometimes we simply need to step back and just breathe for a bit, though. I know that has been true for me this week. We just can’t be superwoman!
Sending all my love to you, sweet Michelle. You are amazing and I cherish your friendship. Thank you for another thoughtful comment! ❤
Another great post! Thanks for choosing to follow my blog! I truly appreciate your support!!
Thank you so much, sweet Ena. You share some beautiful words of wisdom. We all need encouragement to live our best, authentic lives. ♥️
Thank you so much for your kind comments!
[…] The Best Ways To Focus Your Mind And Feel Better Within Yourself […]
It is truly incredible how often we find ourselves reading what we need to hear in that moment. This post was one of those times. Exactly what I needed today, Holly! Thank you so much for your blog.
Joan
In Pursuit of Happiness
https://kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com
Aw, sweet Joan, I am so grateful to hear this touched you today! ♥️
I agree wholeheartedly with you. I’ve found myself many times visiting your blog and reading messages that touch me in this way as well. Thank you for who you are and all you do! 🤗
Nice post. I love your blog theme and content. Love the tips you mentioned, I believe there’s nothing a prayer can’t solve.
Hi, nianni! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts! What a blessing you have been to my heart today. 🤗 And AMEN! I wholeheartedly agree with you. No problem is a match for prayer. God is good, always. Sending my love to you and yours. I pray each of you are well!
Thank you so much for your warm wishes. Yes, God is good all the time.
This post is fantastic! You’re suggestions are great! I have a very hard time focusing, and I do quite a but of the things you’ve mentioned, but I think counseling would definitely benefit me! Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Lex. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Thank you also for your kind words. I hope your weekend is amazing!
Counseling and/or coaching is a big help. Having an outsider’s perspective can give us the distance from our roadblocks we need to move past them. 🙂 I highly recommend it. ♥