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How to ‘switch off’? My brain never stops and I’m exhausted

Ayrshire.Rob

Desperately trying to recover from being ill. In my current state I’m struggling with my non-stop brain activity. The breathing exercises and how I usually manage my bedtime routine aren’t working 

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  • I try to distract myself. In no particular order:

    • Play my favourite music and try to really "get into it". A dark room helps. I might throw in some stimming.
    • Go for long walks (10–12 km) at a slow pace. Podcasts and music pass the time. I pay attention to all the little natural details around me.
    • Read a book. I pick something interesting or entertaining—anything to hold my attention—it doesn't have to be "worthy". I often pace about when reading. I read for two to four hours per day.
    • Watch some sports on TV. Climbing, cricket, motor racing, football, cycling, athletics, ... whatever holds my attention, even briefly.
    • Watch my favourite TV shows. Usually comedies that will cheer me up. Documentaries can grab my attention.
    • Fake a smile. I just make a big grinning shape with my mouth when I'm on my own. Seriously. It's backed by science.
    • Talk to a GP or therapist. See if there is anything they can do to tide you over.
    • Get things down on paper (or forum) and out of my head.
    • Learn about how my brain works and come up with cunning plans to outflank it. I "step back" and observe what's going on. Most of my intrusive thoughts are lies. I call them out.
    • Recite a mantra. "This will pass. I'll be OK. It's not my fault. It's just my brain."
    • Talk to my wife.
    • Wait it out. Recovery takes time. Expect gradual improvement with dips along the way.
  • in reply to Damojo

    I like to read up about the music as I listen to it and get flappy hands when I resonate with the information and the music i dotn know why but flappy hands make me so happy it’s like they release dopamine levels nothing else can 

  • in reply to 190E(Taylor’s version)
    190E(Taylor’s version) said:
    I listen to it and get flappy hands

    That's sweet! Keep on flapping, it's a beautiful thing.

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