How do you effectively learn to “slow it down”

throwawayycheyeah · 2019-02-28T22:10:15+00:00

I'd try to get a different therapist. Sounds like this person isnt doing you any favors by telling you that your problems are that you are just "too strong emotionally".

You're in therapy for a reason, you have a problem and need real help, not someone to pander to you and talk you up.

Good advice usually doesnt feel good to hear, especially if you are paying 80 dollars an hour to hear it.

Aside from that I'd say practice mindfulness. Being aware of all your actions will slow you way down and stop your brain from going haywire. Make sure every word you say is meaningful and has a purpose. Talking for the sake of talking is just wasted time.

AnxiousProof · 2019-03-01T02:31:12+00:00

Everyone's brain has a natural tendency to 'speed up', and it wants to do so 24/7. What stops this is a neurotransmitter called GABA which inhibits excitability within your nervous system, including your brain. This is like effectively putting the breaks on your mind. Alcohol mimics GABA, we make a class of medications called benzodiazepenes which also mimic that amino acid.

People who have generalized anxiety generally do not produce enough GABA, which leads them to be overexcited, speak before they think, have racing thoughts, paranoia, mental frustration, irritability, etc.

If this is truly what is going on, you can combat this without drinking or taking medications, but by simply meditation. Training your focus to remain in a mindful state. Learning that emotions come and go just like cars on a road and you really should just sit back and experience them and not give a fuck. It's a little hard to describe in words what feeling you're searching for, but it feels like being a kid again, no worries other than bedtime at 9pm. Meditate, be mindful and start to teach your brain that there is no reason for it to work in overdrive anymore. It'll take a lot of time to push through so don't beat yourself up if you think it's not working, it will, just fucking relax and let it do its magic.

TRP8myfeels · 2019-02-28T22:26:58+00:00

It's pretty natural to be in a hurry till it burns you.

There are plenty of things that cultivate slow progression.

Playing chess or GO or cooking elaborate meals or mastering something terribly difficult like........................................................................................................................ uh.................................................................................

Fuck I don't know.

rugged79 · 2019-03-01T01:37:46+00:00

Martial arts is probably what you're looking for.

Normally I'd recommend BJJ. Which is good for burning stamina if you find the right gym. But you may have an overabundance, so I'd say boxing.

You should have the emotional energy of a mouse when you start that shit.

Title	How do you effectively learn to “slow it down”
Author	throwitpplaway
Upvotes	2
Comments	7
Date	February 28, 2019 8:47 PM UTC (7 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/avvzg7/how_do_you_effectively_learn_to_slow_it_down/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/how-do-you-effectively-learn-to-slow-it-down.220406 https://theredarchive.com/post/220406

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