Do you ever feel like you’re in over your head?
Like there’s just too much going on and you can’t take it anymore? You’re not alone. Stress and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues in the United States. And while there are many different ways to deal with them, one of the most effective is learning how to mentally shut off the pain.
It sounds counterintuitive, but by shutting off the pain we can lessen our stress levels and allow ourselves to focus on more important things. Here we’ll discuss some ways that you can mentally disconnect from pain, both physically and emotionally.
Mental Pain – Definition
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, mental pain is “distress or suffering that is psychological rather than physical in nature.” It’s the kind of pain that doesn’t necessarily have a physical cause but nonetheless feels very real. This can include things like stress, anxiety, heartbreak, and grief.
Mental pain can be incredibly debilitating. It can make it hard to concentrate, sleep, or even eat. It can also lead to physical pain, as the body responds to the stress of mental anguish. In extreme cases, it can even lead to suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
Mental Pain Vs. Emotional Pain Vs. Physical Pain – How is it differentiated?
Mental pain, emotional pain, and physical pain are all different types of suffering.
- Physical pain is the most straightforward. It’s the sensation that you feel when you hurt yourself, like a cut or a burn.
- Emotional pain is more complicated. It’s the kind of pain that you feel in your heart or your gut when something bad happens, like the death of a loved one or a breakup.
- Mental pain is the most difficult to define. It’s the kind of pain that you feel in your head when you’re stressed or anxious. It can be caused by physical pain, emotional pain, or even just the everyday stresses of life.
Why do we need to know how to mentally shut off the pain?
There are a few different reasons why you might want to learn how to mentally shut off the pain.
- The first is that it can help you focus. When you’re in pain, it’s hard to concentrate on anything else. By shutting off the pain, you can focus on the task at hand and get it done more quickly.
- The second reason is that it can help you sleep. Pain can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you can shut off the pain, you’ll be able to get a better night’s rest.
- The third reason is that it can help you cope with stress. When you’re in pain, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. If you can shut off the pain, you’ll be able to reduce your stress levels and improve your overall health.
- The fourth reason is that it can help you enjoy life more. When you’re in pain, it’s hard to enjoy anything. You might not be able to go out with friends or take part in activities that you love. But if you can shut off the pain, you’ll be able to live your life to the fullest.
So How Do We Mentally Shut Off the Pain?
There are a few different techniques that you can use to mentally shut off the pain.
- The first is to focus on your breath. When you’re in pain, your breathing tends to be shallow and fast. This can make the pain worse. Instead, try to take deep, slow breaths. Focus on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your lungs. This will help you relax and focus on something other than the pain.
- The second technique is visualization. Close your eyes and imagine that the pain is a colour or a shape. Then imagine that colour or shape fading away. This can help your mind focus on something else and distract you from the pain.
- The third technique is to use positive affirmations. Repeat a positive statement to yourself, like “I am strong” or “I can handle this.” This will help you focus on the positive and ignore the pain.
- The fourth technique is to distract yourself. Watch a funny movie, listen to music, or read a book. Doing something that you enjoy can help take your mind off of the pain.
- The fifth technique is to use physical counterpressure. Apply pressure to the area that hurts. This can help divert your attention from the pain and make it more tolerable.
All of these techniques can be helpful in shutting off the pain. Try out a few and see which ones work best for you. If nothing works, meet a physician or counsellor and get help.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned above, there are a variety of techniques that you can use to mentally shut off the pain. If you’re struggling, try out a few methods and see which ones work best for you. If nothing helps, meet with a physician or counsellor to get professional help.
