Minding Your Mind

Welcome to installment #13 of the A to Z for a Rocking Retirement. M = Minding Your Mind. I’ve heard from others approaching retirement who worry about losing their mental capacity. After all, what have we done every day of our nursing career but tax our brains with learning more each day and trouble-shooting whatever comes our way. So what happens when we pull the plug on that “brainy” time of our lives?

Minding Your Mind

Turns out it is all up to YOU! Either veg out or Mind your Mind!

I keep thinking that because I forget stuff all the time it must mean I have early dementia. Wrong! It's because I'm too busy, doing too much, my mind is on overload and I don't take the time to slow down and take it easy. And the idea that being an expert "multi-tasker" - as most women think they are - is a fallacy. You can try to do a lot of things all at once and not do one thing well. The American Psychological Association describes how so-called multitasking is neither effective nor efficient. With all this "in mind", let's explore three wellness strategies that will keep your mind happy and healthy - and your physical body will benefit too!

Mindfulness

I always thought this word meant having a "full mind." But it really means being aware of what's happening to you in the present moment. I'm sure you've heard the phrase: "If you always live in the past or always live in the future, then you are missing what is happening right now." You can't control the past or the future, but in "this minute" you are in control and most likely all is well with you. It takes all the worry away when you are able to focus on the present moment and note that - I have a roof over my head, I am fed, I am safe, I am alive, I am OK. Try these steps right now and see if it helps you practice being more mindful.

A - Awareness of the present moment

B - Breathe slowly and deeply

C - Collect your thoughts

D - Decide on your next best move

E - Execute your decision

Meditation

If I could give you a retirement gift that would help you relax, escape from worry, create better health, give you peace of mind, is NOT a DRUG and doesn't cost anything, would that interest you? It's the practice of meditation and so often we make excuses not to take the time. I know that when I meditate regularly I have a lot fewer stress headaches, I'm able to stop anxiety that causes me to have heart palpitations, and my mind opens to new creative ideas for my work and my life. Priceless! Here are a few 2 minute ideas on how to meditate. Of course there are many other methods as well.

Slow deep breathing

  • Close your eyes and begin breathing slowly and deeply
  • Inhale through your nose to the count of 4
  • Hold your breath to the count of 4
  • Exhale slowly (as if you are whistling) to the count of 8
  • Relax and sink deeply into your chair while exhaling
  • Repeat until you feel more relaxed

Visualization

  • Close your eyes and breath slowly and deeply
  • Imagine you are in a place where you feel very relaxed (a meadow, on the beach, etc)
  • Paint a picture of what it looks like in detail, and then really "feel" it.
  • Notice how your mind and body feels

Relaxing Music

  • Turn on music that relaxes you. Have it ready on your phone or playing in the background
  • "Spa" music that massage therapists use works great
  • My husband who is a guitar teacher says "Music is medicine for a frowning world"

Manifesting

Did you know when you put your mind to what you want (and really mean it) you can manifest anything? You want a fabulous retirement? Then mean it! And take steps to make it happen. I can't think of anything better for the health of your mind then to be manifesting a life the gives you meaning and joy. Here are 3 beginning steps toward manifesting what you want from the work of Abraham Hicks, one of my favorite authors and speakers.

Ask (the universe) for what you want. Speak it out loud to others, or pray for it, or write it on paper and post it where you see it everyday. Use whatever method works for you to keep your attention on it continually.

Pay attention to signs you receive related to what you have asked for. Keep a running record of those signs to document that you are beginning to manifest what you want

Eliminate roadblocks that might stand in your way of receiving what you want. Stop saying words like - that will never happen, I don't deserve that, I'm too old for that, that costs too much. These negative words sabotage the possibilities that lie ahead for you.

Hopefully some of these techniques will help you "Mind your Mind" for your new life and adventures ahead.

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become." - Buddha

Now it is your turn. Can you share how you are Minding your Mind?

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Carol Ebert

About Carol Ebert, MSN, RN

Carol Ebert RN, BSN, MA, CHES, Certified Wellness Practitioner, Certified Mindful Coach, Sanoviv Nutrition Advisor

36 Articles   207 Posts

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Great article Carol. I hope I head into retirement with such a great attitude.

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Specializes in Wellness and Coaching for Women in their Third Act.

It's a work in progress but once I adjusted it was amazing to have all this freedom. And to be healthy enough to enjoy it!

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