For some of us, it’s hard to imagine a world where our days are not mapped out in a Google calendar, or with sticky notes plastered all over the refrigerator door. Where our To-Do list isn’t readily accessible on the notes section in our phones and we’re not consulting our schedules before planning any social engagements. I’m sure I’m not the only person who somehow ended up in a committed relationship with her planner, and who recently penciled in cuddle sessions with her dog (seriously, I did this).
I’m sure many others are facing these same conflicts. Living their days based on what tasks are on the agenda. Running around from one appointment to another because that’s how they’ve always done things. It’s the American way of life where a packed schedule is encouraged, making us believe that an abundance of productivity defines success. That the constant overload in our day-to-day lives indicates that we have figured out the secret to lifelong prosperity. So, it’s no wonder we find it difficult to distance ourselves from our schedules, because that’s how we were taught to live life.
While I was blocking out “Winnie Time” with my dog (yes, I named my dog after a Disney character) on my calendar, I paused to evaluate exactly what was happening here. It took me a matter of seconds to realize how exhausting my life had become after months of going at warp speed. I noticed a heaviness weighing on my body that once felt so light and open. I no longer felt that energetic spark while doing the things that once filled my heart with joy. I was mentally and physically drained, dispensing my energy to others while my own self-care was put on the backburner.
And I know I’m not alone. I scoured Facebook groups and Instagram feeds discovering that a lot of people have experienced these same debilitating needs. The desire to power through their responsibilities like a dog on a mission (sticking with the dog theme here), only stopping until all tasks have been completed.
I am guilty of this. In fact, I’m a prime example of someone who is married to her To-Do list. But since I came to this realization, I’ve learned some helpful tools to calm my mind in the moments when I feel especially drained. I learned the power of reciting a mantra.
Mantras are a yogic term for words or phrases that are chanted, either silently or verbally, over and over again. The repetition of the mantra is said to focus the mind more firmly in the moment preventing wandering thoughts from entering the mind. They are often used in meditation practices, or as gentle reminders when needing to refocus your thoughts. There are many common mantras chanted in the Indian language, Sanskrit that you may have heard in a yoga class, OM (AUM) being the most popular. But you can also create your own personal mantras that resonate with you as well.
Below are some of my own personal mantras that I find most helpful when I’m feeling particularly drained. Try repeating them to yourself either aloud while gazing at your reflection in the bathroom mirror, when driving in the car, or maybe seated in a quiet room while the words silently replay in your head. It is said that mantras gain suggestive strength each time it is repeated so try chanting each mantra at least ten times and see if you notice a difference in how you feel.
5 Mantras to Repeat When You Feel Drained
• Happiness is peace. Happiness is love. Happiness is kindness. Happiness lies within me.
• I am not afraid to take a path that may not always suit me.
• Today, I will slow down and enjoy life as it comes without control.
• My breath is my guide, my fuel, and all the energy by body needs to keep going.
• I have the ability to conquer hardships, achieve greatness, and overcome any misfortunes that may appear.
There are an endless number of mantras that can help us recenter when life or our busy schedules have consumed us. Others may not get the same spiritual release that you experienced when repeating these words. Or they could have had no effect on you at all. If there are personal mantras that hold more meaning to you, than practice with those. You do not have to be in a yoga class or frequently practice meditation to experience the benefits of mantras. Even if you are practicing with your dog sitting on your lap (as I will probably be doing later) it may provide you with the recharge your body and mind are desperately craving. Now go ahead and pencil that into your calendar.
Do you have any mantras you repeat when feeling overwhelmed? Share your transformative words with us below.
Leave a Reply