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The Idea of the Week
When faced with a problem, we might think we are “doing nothing,” but really, we may actually be doing something. As Dr. K from HealthyGamerGG explains in this 20-minute video, this something may actually create more problems.
For instance, when we are faced with a problem, a feeling arises to this problem. A test is coming up or the deadline to a project is coming up, so we may feel anxiety or fear that we will fail.
To cope with this feeling, we may instead distract ourselves by going to a sports game, watching a movie, playing video games, scrolling through social media, or even working on an unrelated task.
Since the original task isn’t getting done and the problem remains, it feels like we’re doing nothing. But in reality, we’re just managing emotions rather than addressing the issue itself.
Certainly, trying to do something to solve the problem is worth the effort. However, you may find that some coping strategies may create more problems than help you work with the problems. Through these newsletters, we hope to explore more ways to manage emotions and build a more meaningful, fulfilling life!
The Practice of the Week
This week, we invite you to explore two ways of doing ‘nothing.’ Even just five minutes is enough to try these simple practices—wherever you are.
One of the best ways to do nothing is actually inaction. Instead, this type of nothing is about changing the way you think about things. This is called cognitive reframing. Dr. K breaks down these steps, which you can find below.
- Write down your initial thoughts on the problem. For example, “I just had a break up and now I am going to be alone for the rest of my life. I am unlovable.”
- Ask yourself, “If you were a ‘better’ human being or someone who was ‘good at life, ‘ what would they say? What would someone who is trying to encourage you say to you right now?” Write these down in a second column.
- Breathe. Take a moment.
- Ask yourself, “Out of the second column, which single item can I sort of accept?” You do not have to fully believe the item right now. But which one is easier to accept? Circle that item.
- Now ask yourself, “Why can I sort of accept this item? What makes this okay and easy to accept?”
With step 5, you have now started shifting your thinking. The good news is that while it will feel difficult at first to reframe your thoughts, changing your thinking will get easier over time because thinking happens in patterns.
A second way to practice doing nothing is inaction. For this practice, try removing as many distractions as you can and just let yourself simply be.
Literally, do nothing.
Look out the window. Sit in the park surrounded by grass. Find a sunny spot indoors and bask in the warmth. Watch your pets or children playing. Gaze at a painting. Or, quite simply, stare at the wall (sometimes that’s helpful, too!).
Do not try to tidy up the place as you go, and resist checking your phone and scrolling through emails or social media. Let go of the need to make the moment productive. Just let your mind wander.
If you find that moving your hands—fidgeting or stimming—helps, allow yourself to do so. The goal is not to focus on getting something done while you do nothing, but to do nothing and give your mind the space to breathe.
This is not necessarily meditation. You do not have to clear your mind and focus on “having no thoughts.”
Let this be a space where you are with yourself, letting your thoughts wander, and letting your mind process the day without more stimulation.
News of the Week
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The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
