Mindful or Mind Full?
It’s that time again…
The monthly mental health check in for mentalists
Have you ever tried to do a book test while your brain
is screaming in riddles at you?
Or tried to force a card while your mind is spiralling
into a vat of overcooked feelings?
Welcome to the backstage of the mind,
the real trick here is staying sane!
Mentalists are masters of suggestion, illusion and control
but when it comes to our own thoughts…
It can be like herding a dozen cats through a duck pond.
Even the most polished performer has days
when their brain feels like it’s full of glitter.
This post isn’t a lecture, it’s a backstage pass to mentalist self care.
A bit weird, a bit funny but very real.
Let’s step behind the curtain and check in with ourselves.
Why mentalists overthink and what to do about it
First of all overthinking doesn’t just affect mentalists,
it can affect anyone but I feel mentalists are especially prone
to overthinking because we’re natural idea hoarders,
thought tinkerers and marvel makers.
So it’s really no surprise that when left alone with our minds,
we start doing reruns of every conversation we’ve ever had since 2012.
Signs you’re overthinking the mentalist edition:
You rehearse your opener 47 times in your sleep.
You rehearse your Q&A at funerals.
You try to force words on your own intrusive thoughts just to see if it works.
Overthinking is an affliction and it’s like trying to do a centre tear
on your own brain.
It doesn’t work but fear not fair maiden,
for I have a fix for you:
Create a negative thought offload ritual:
Grab a sock. Yes, really. Preferably an odd one and give it a name.
I suggest Clive, socks seem to like the name Clive.
Talk to the sock for five minutes about everything on your mind.
Write down the three loudest thoughts that Clive echoes back.
Burn them or just rip up the paper dramatically
while playing suspenseful music.
It’s ridiculous and theatrical but it declutters your headspace
like a waiter clearing the table before desserts.
Simple exercises for anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression aren’t just bad vibes.
They’re like mental fog machines that don’t make your show look cooler.
Here are some helpful, slightly silly but science supported
exercises to help clear your mental stage:
The 3.3.3 Mind Trick
Name 3 things you can see, name 3 things you can hear
and move 3 parts of your body.
It’s grounding, it’s fast, and it snaps you out of the internal monologue that’s auditioning for a tragedy.
Sock positivity
Grab Clive or if he’s busy you can use his big brother Derek.
Now deliver a motivational speech to yourself in a silly voice.
I know exactly what you’re thinking here; This is too weird for me!
Yes it is but you know what? It doesn’t matter because all you’re doing is tricking your brain into hearing kindness.
Even if it is from an Oddsock with attitude!
Micro meditation
Sit still and breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4,
breathe out for 4 and hold for 4.
Repeat this formation for one whole minute
while imagining you’re inside a nice relaxing wigwam.
The one good thing trick
Each night, write down one good thing that happened during the day.
No pressure for a novel, just one win even if it’s
I didn’t have a panic attack in Asda.
These mini rituals are actually practical magic.
Simple little acts that can take you from backstage breakdown
straight in to front stage flow.
Signs you might need help:
Your rituals don’t work anymore, not even Derek the sock can make you smile!
You feel stuck on the same thought track like a broken choo choo train.
You avoid performing or socialising with friends and family.
Ask for help
You’re not weak and you’re not broken.
You’re just a human being who occasionally
gets tangled up in your own head.
Relax and take a break, even Derren Brown has probably had a nap
and a little cry. Allow yourself to be human above anything else.
You can be a mentalist anytime!
Sometimes, you can’t self talk your way out of the dark.
That’s when it’s time to call in a co performer, a friend, therapist,
doctor or a cat with strong eye contact!
Fragmented Thoughts
It’s Okay to Take Off the Hat
You’re not broken if you’re struggling.
You’re just a normal person trying to make sense of a pretty crazy world.
It’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to say no,
ask for help or take a nap backstage.
So check in and ask yourself:
How am I, really?
Not the performer or the mask… You!
When life starts to get too loud.
Pick up your sock.
Talk to Clive or Derek.
Let weirdness be your therapy
and laughter be your light.
ЯYΛП MΣПƬIƧ
International Man of Mischief
P.S. I’m not a medical professional,
I’m just somebody who has battled against poor mental health my whole life.
Literally, all my life.
Take my advice with a pinch of salt
as this is provided for entertainment purposes only.
If you’re struggling with poor mental health,
I suggest you reach out to MINDS