Unplug

How often do we find ourselves feeling stuck, even in the spaces we once longed to be in—our so-called comfort zones?

Ever felt like you don’t want to talk to anyone, constantly feeling upset, as if everything around you is falling apart? And when you try to express it, sometimes it backfires, and other times, it just makes things worse.

A lot depends on the kind of people you’re surrounded by—whether they uplift you or take you for granted. And trust me, when emotions spiral out of control, it becomes incredibly hard to make sense of what’s happening within us.

We have medicines for fever, headaches, diabetes, and blood pressure—visibly measurable conditions. But what about the struggles our mind endures? The most overlooked and taken-for-granted part of us is our mind. Yet, emotions like anger, frustration, anxiety, and sadness all stem from it.

Maybe it’s time we start taking care of our minds just as much as we do our bodies. Maybe it’s time to unplug and Recharge!! 

I recently found myself in a similar situation—sinking deep into an emotional spiral. It felt like I was trapped in a well, struggling to find my way out. But I managed to bounce back within a week, thanks to the incredible people around me. They were great listeners—empathetic, non-judgmental, kind, and loving.

I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, swinging from extreme happiness to intense frustration in minutes, not even hours. That’s when I realized something wasn’t right. I knew I had to pull myself out—not just for my own well-being but because the people around me needed me too. And they needed me to be in my most balanced and sane state.

Mental health doesn’t just impact us—it affects everyone around us. And sometimes, choosing to heal is not just about ourselves; it’s about the ones who love and depend on us.

Practical Steps That Helped Me Unplug and Recharge (No Bookish Advice, Just Real Experience!)

When I was struggling emotionally, a few things helped me bounce back—things that weren’t just theories but actually worked for me. Here’s what I did and how each step positively impacted my mind and overall well-being:

1) Journaling – Writing Gratitude and Words of Wisdom

Effect on the Brain: Writing in a journal, especially focusing on gratitude, activates the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and decision-making. Gratitude journaling reduces stress hormones like cortisol and increases dopamine and serotonin, the "feel-good" chemicals, promoting a sense of happiness and emotional balance.

💡 How It Helps: Expressing gratitude shifts focus from negative emotions to positive aspects of life. It rewires the brain for positivity, making it easier to handle stress. Writing also helps declutter the mind and organize thoughts, reducing overthinking.

2) Meditation and Healing Sounds

Effect on the Brain: Meditation lowers activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain that processes fear and stress while increasing grey matter in the hippocampus, which is linked to emotional regulation and memory. Listening to healing sounds (like binaural beats or nature sounds) synchronizes brain waves, promoting relaxation and deep focus.

💡 How It Helps: Sitting in silence for a few minutes every day trains the mind to stay present, reducing anxiety and overwhelming emotions. It also strengthens the ability to manage emotions better, making it easier to bounce back from stress.

3) Creating Content and Sharing It

Effect on the Brain: Engaging in creative activities stimulates the brain’s reward system (dopamine release), reducing stress and improving mood. Creative expression also enhances neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt to stress and anxiety more effectively.

💡 How It Helps: When we do things we love, we feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Sharing content connects us with like-minded people, reducing loneliness and boosting self-confidence. It’s an excellent way to channel emotions constructively.

4) Learning Something New (Mandala Art Classes)

Effect on the Brain: Learning a new skill strengthens neural connections, increasing brain plasticity. Creative activities like mandala drawing activate the right hemisphere, which controls imagination and intuition, while repetitive patterns in mandalas calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.

💡 How It Helps: Engaging in creative art forms provides a meditative experience, helping to relieve emotional tension. It also brings a sense of accomplishment and self-expression, which boosts confidence and reduces overthinking.

5) Mantra Chanting

Effect on the Brain: Chanting mantras activates the vagus nerve, which is responsible for calming the nervous system and reducing the body’s stress response. The rhythmic vibrations improve focus, increase serotonin levels, and promote a deep sense of relaxation.

💡 How It Helps: Mantra chanting helps clear mental clutter, reduces restlessness, and fosters inner peace. It’s an ancient method of aligning mind, body, and spirit, making it an excellent practice for emotional well-being.

6) Grooming and Dressing Up

Effect on the Brain: Dressing up and grooming trigger a dopamine boost, improving self-perception and confidence. Personal hygiene and self-care routines also stimulate sensory pleasure, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

💡 How It Helps: When we look good, we feel good. Taking time to care for ourselves—getting our hair done, dressing up, or wearing bold accessories—instantly boosts self-esteem and shifts energy levels. It reinforces a sense of self-worth, which is crucial when battling emotional lows.

7) Reading for at Least 15 Minutes a Day

Effect on the Brain: Reading reduces stress by up to 68%, according to studies. It engages multiple brain areas, including the left temporal lobe (language processing), the prefrontal cortex (problem-solving), and the hippocampus (memory formation). Reading also lowers heart rate and muscle tension, mimicking meditation.

💡 How It Helps: It’s an escape from reality but in a productive way. Whether it’s fiction, self-help, or skill-building books, reading broadens perspectives and improves cognitive function, making the mind more resilient against stress. 

8) Watching My Favorite Show (Currently MasterChef) or Learning from YouTube

Effect on the Brain: Watching light-hearted content or engaging in learning-based videos activates the pleasure center of the brain (dopamine release) and reduces overactivity in stress-related areas. Shows related to hobbies (like cooking, in my case) keep the mind engaged in positive stimulation, preventing overthinking.

💡 How It Helps: Entertainment is a great stress reliever when chosen mindfully. Watching shows that inspire, entertain, or educate redirects mental energy away from negative thoughts and promotes a relaxed state of mind.

Final Thoughts: 

These small yet impactful actions helped me regain control over my emotions and mindset. If you’re struggling, start by picking even one or two things that resonate with you. Sometimes, the tiniest shifts in daily habits make the biggest difference in mental health. ❤️

What are some things that help you unplug and recharge? Let me know in the comments! 😊