Have you ever wondered why we’re so drawn to drama, even when it adds stress to our lives? Let’s explore how ditching the drama can help calm our limbic system and support our healing journey.
The limbic system is the part of our brain responsible for keeping us safe, constantly on the lookout for anything that might be dangerous or threatening to our physical or emotional well-being. This natural tendency to focus on potential threats is why we’re often drawn to drama, whether it’s in the news, our personal thoughts, or our relationships. By understanding how our brain works and making a few strategic changes, we can create a more peaceful and supportive environment for our recovery.
Let’s start by taking a look at where the drama comes from.
It can show up in several different ways:
First is our own internal personal drama. This includes our thoughts and worries. You might catch yourself thinking, “I should do those things,” or “I really blew it yesterday,” or “My life is just so messed up.”
Second is in our relationships. This involves disagreements or conflicts with others. It might show up as trying to control or manipulate relationships to feel more in control or safe.
Third is cultural or societal drama. This includes the news, political commentary, and social media, which can often be very fear-based, leading to overwhelm and increased stress response.
Where you see drama in your life will be different for each of us. For some, it could be ruminating thoughts or binge-watching political news. For others, it might be trying to control relationships or getting caught up in social media debates.
Here are six practical tips to help you ditch the drama and reclaim your peace:
1. Distract yourself to something else. When you notice yourself caught in a loop of negative thoughts, plan distractions. This could be picking up a new hobby, calling a friend, or learning something new. The key is to intentionally redirect your focus to something positive and engaging.
2. Remove unhelpful apps off your phone or computer. Remove the apps that feed into the drama. This could be news apps, social media platforms, or email notifications. Create a digital environment that supports calm and positivity.
3. Unsubscribe from negative emails or online groups. If you receive emails or are part of online groups that feed the drama, unsubscribe from them. Instead, subscribe to groups that promote positive thinking and support your well-being.
4. Get outside. Nature can be incredibly healing and relaxing. Spend time outside, whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike, or just sitting in your garden. The fresh air and natural surroundings can help clear stressful thoughts.
5. Grow your meditation routine. Meditation is a powerful tool for relaxing and connecting with your limbic system. Start or expand your meditation practice to include sessions focused on self-compassion and calming your nervous system.
6. Connect with like-minded friends. Surround yourself with people who support your journey and limit connections with those who feed into the drama. Having a supportive social circle can make a big difference in maintaining a peaceful mindset.
By recognizing where drama shows up in our lives and taking steps to reduce its impact, we can create a more peaceful and supportive environment for our healing journey. Calming the limbic system is crucial in supporting the recovery process we all strive for.
Remember, it’s about making small changes that add up to a big difference in your journey. Each step you take towards reducing drama and calming your mind brings you closer to the peace and healing you deserve.
If you would like to learn more about neural retraining, or if you have questions about your neural retaining practice, feel free to reach out. I offer a free 30 minute discovery session and I’d love to meet with you.
I’m here to support you on your path to wellness so you can create a balanced state where true healing can take place.
