What a half-crumpled receipt and a pen from the dentist can do for your mental health

Ever feel like your mind is running too fast?

Like there are many opposing voices speaking at the same time?

Perhaps there are 17 thoughts going at once…

And you’re about to pop? 🤯

Maybe you even spend a long time trying to fall asleep because you’re thinking a lot…

Or maybe you’re just circling and circling on a certain challenge, unable to find clarity…

There’s a simple practice that really helps to… 

… Slow down your mind.

… Get one voice speaking at a time.

… Get *you* in the driver’s seat, rather than your mind

… Bring more clarity and awareness

A simple (quick and dirty practice) to slow down your mind + get clarity

1. Get a pen and any paper — maybe it’s your fancy journal, or maybe it’s the back of a half-crumpled receipt.

2. Write down what’s happening in your mind.
   Freestyle.
   Get it all out. Let it rip.

3. Flip the page or find another half-crumpled receipt if you need more space.
   Keep going (until you find a little more space within).

4. When you’re done, close the journal or throw the paper away.

5. Check in with yourself and notice if you’re feeling more calm, centred or present.

Yes, this is journaling (but more rock n roll-style).

The main point is to give yourself a few minutes to express what’s going on, one voice at a time — this happens naturally when you’re writing. It slows everything down. And gets you in the driver's seat. Chances are, you’ll have more clarity about yourself and the situation by the end of it.

Kick the misconceptions about journaling — you DON’T need to start it with Dear diary, and it doesn’t have to be a daily thing for it to be useful.

! Sometimes I need to get something out while I’m waiting for my crêpe at Blé Doré, so I ask the cute lady with the apron behind the counter for a pen and some paper... and then I get it all out.

When the moment finds you, notice when your mind is full. Give yourself a few minutes to get it out. And see how you feel afterwards…

You’re licensed to be quick and dirty. 

Do what you need to do.