idgaf
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Post by idgaf on Oct 23, 2023 16:00:35 GMT
Discuss what apps you use, groups you sit with, books, films and podcasts etc. My practise is incredibly spotty, so I'm a bit more like a bloke who says he likes cycling, but whose bicycle is gathering cobwebs in a shed.
I started off on Headspace a few years ago. I liked it, but then it started diversifying into meditation for kids and creativity etc, which I found a bit weird.
I then moved on to Waking Up, which didn't have any of that stuff. Now it's started have non-meditation content it, but it seems more serious overall.
There's also something called the Headless Way, which is a set of experiments to get you to think about how your mind works in a different way. It's weird, but fun.
Apart from that, I set up an Xbox Live group called ZeroDistance for other people whose bicycles are in their shed.
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razz
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Post by razz on Oct 23, 2023 16:04:46 GMT
I just use free YouTube videos. I downloaded a few to help me sleep too, sleep meditation has really helped with the anxious thoughts at night. This one is my go to youtu.be/U6Ay9v7gK9w?si=cRg2vtFFynqObY2W |
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Reviewer
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Post by Reviewer on Oct 23, 2023 16:41:14 GMT
Smiling mind is good. It’s like headspace but a lot more focused on the core stuff and entirely free, made by an Australian non profit.
Not used any for a while though.
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Post by damagedinc on Oct 23, 2023 16:47:20 GMT
How strange this thread popped up. I've been really struggling recently to the point I am actually having some kind of break down lol.
I did meditate before which did help. Stupidly I have dipped out of it and really need to start again as the mindfulness stuff really did settle me down.
My medication is being reviewed tomorrow so fingers crossed that could help.
Currently use calm. Mainly for the sleep stories to stop my mind racing at night.
Interested to see how others get on with meditating etc.
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dogbot
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Post by dogbot on Oct 23, 2023 16:52:56 GMT
I mostly just do clear your mind and focus on your breathing stuff. I might sometimes use a basic soundtrack in the background, but I really just need to be quiet and focused.
Keeps the demons at bay, vaguely.
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richardiox
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Post by richardiox on Oct 23, 2023 17:10:05 GMT
Absolutely love that black olive, tomato, cucumber and feta salad they do - with a generous GLUG of the old "Olive Oil".
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idgaf
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Post by idgaf on Oct 23, 2023 20:27:18 GMT
How strange this thread popped up. I've been really struggling recently to the point I am actually having some kind of break down lol. Sorry to hear that, chap. Every day I try to do some amount of practise, even if it's just one minute. Actually, it's almost always one minute. But it feels better doing that, than not doing anything and feeling guilty.
Something else I do is to set a timer for five minutes or so and concentrate solely on whatever task I have - normally that's cooking dinner. Whatever thoughts arise, I return to the chopping or frying or whatever.
I listened to a talk by a Zen nun who talked about doing a task with full attention, so I'm assuming the timer is at least some form of meditation.
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Post by Dougs on Oct 23, 2023 20:45:12 GMT
I use headspace sporadically but really need to find time to do it properly. It does help but I struggle to let everything go. Practice, i guess.
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Post by kingbambino on Oct 23, 2023 21:07:39 GMT
I used Headspace for a while and I really found meditating beneficial to shut off . 2 years ago I was having what I thought was a heart attack at the time and it scared the shit out of me .(and the family) After getting checked out it’s turned out to be an anxiety attack which came out of the blue when I didn’t even realise I was stressed!
We are all so wired nowadays with phones , social media etc that we struggle to switch off or make time to. I have to go to bed with a podcast on so I’m not overthinking other shit. I play golf which helps but I do find going for a walk with music or a podcast massively helps also.
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Post by Dougs on Oct 24, 2023 6:12:51 GMT
Yeah, I have to listen to podcasts to sleep too. Never had an issue going to sleep but often wake up early and podcasts with wireless earbuds have meant I can actually get back to sleep now. Having a dog to walk has helped massively helped my mental health too.
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Post by damagedinc on Oct 24, 2023 7:50:57 GMT
I find it really helps to take 10 min and do all the mindfulness stuff. The issue is being committed to it. At the moment it's used as a coping tactic when really it should be done all the time to make it a preventative measure.
Normally by the time I start doing it again the damage is already done. Made a point of taking 10 minutes yesterday to meditate and it did help greatly.
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Post by kingbambino on Oct 24, 2023 8:13:01 GMT
I find it really helps to take 10 min and do all the mindfulness stuff. The issue is being committed to it. At the moment it's used as a coping tactic when really it should be done all the time to make it a preventative measure. Normally by the time I start doing it again the damage is already done. Made a point of taking 10 minutes yesterday to meditate and it did help greatly. Yeah 100% this. When I used Headspace I found it frustrating though if I couldn’t find the best environment to do it in and if I was distracted . I really should make time early morning to do it as I’m awake early enough . I remember something along the lines of Headspace saying early on, try and look at the traffic (stresses) from afar rather than being amongst it all. It did kinda help declutter my head a bit |
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Reviewer
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Post by Reviewer on Oct 24, 2023 8:17:03 GMT
I did it pretty solidly for 6 months about 2 or 3 years ago. I’m sure that did something long term because it’s rare now that I have any sorts of issues/struggle with sleep.
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idgaf
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Post by idgaf on Oct 24, 2023 15:52:26 GMT
I can't remember the fellow's name, but I saw this video on nightmares and how to reframe them. The idea was something along the lines giving the nightmare a new plot and priming yourself for it to play out to a positive conclusion.
Using a made up example, let's say you have regular nightmares about hearing wolves outside your house. You hear them and you wake up because it's so scary.
Before going to bed, you might say to yourself 'I'm going to hear the sound of growling outside my door, but instead of wolves it'll be a golden retriever looking for food. I'll give him a big steak to eat and pat him on the head and he'll wander off'.
If you keep doing this, there's a chance the nightmare will be changed in some positive way. Not necessarily exactly as you imagined it, but in some way that makes sense for the re-framing you're going for.
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mikeck
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Post by mikeck on Oct 24, 2023 16:11:26 GMT
I've been doing a weekly stretch and mobility class to help not only properly stretch my aching muscles but relax the mind and I really love it. Totally resets me for the week, gets rids of a lot of carried stress and tension in my body and allows me to zone in on my body and where I'm carrying the stress.
Coupled with trying more deep breathing when feeling the stress rise (my job is so fucking stressful at the moment) as well as increasing my physical exercise I'm starting to feel some benefits. I do really need to change the pace at work though, something I'm working on with my company for next year, as I can't keep on working the way I am. Life's too short to be constantly feeling on the verge of breaking.
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Fake_Blood
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Post by Fake_Blood on Oct 24, 2023 16:12:37 GMT
Yeah, I have to listen to podcasts to sleep too. Never had an issue going to sleep but often wake up early and podcasts with wireless earbuds have meant I can actually get back to sleep now. Having a dog to walk has helped massively helped my mental health too. So recognisable, I do the same. I also like a youtube channel called Kent Survival. British guy goes out in bad weather testing out camping gear and cooking some food. It’s just very calming for me. |
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