Zencare for MONQ: How Therapy Can Help Maintain Zen
In an ideal world, the road to zen would be a straight shot. We’d have the tools and know-how to squash stress in its tracks.
In today’s world, however, it usually takes concentrated effort to incorporate zen. It sometimes feels, ironically, that we have to hustle to be healthy.
That’s why we love therapy — whether it’s a weekly, biweekly, or monthly one-on-one, or even a group session, it’s a dedicated time to work on self-health. You already know self-care is important, but if you’re struggling to find the time for it, therapy can help you identify and strike a healthy balance.
And who would know the benefits of therapy better than Zencare.co, a website that helps people find their ideal talk therapist? Today on the MONQ blog, the Zencare team is sharing five ways therapy can help you tune out negativity and tap into your inner zen:
- THERAPY CAN HELP YOU ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
Ever feel stuck in a negative thinking rut? Constantly perceiving and expecting the worst in a situation is stressful, to say the least — and it can definitely feel like a barrier between you and your zen.
Therapy, especially in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can equip you with the tools, and help you learn to disrupt and stop negative thoughts.
One such tool is the “name it to tame it” technique: If you find yourself telling the same self-berating story over and over again, give that narrative a label. The next time that negative thought pops into your head — in any form — you can:
✔️ Identify it for what it is
✔️ Reject its presence in your mind
✔️ Move past it
✔️ Relish the negative-free zen space that’s cleared up in your head!
- YOU’LL LEARN NEW COPING MECHANISMS FOR TROUBLESOME SITUATIONS
Life throws plenty of curveballs, and therapy can keep you grounded as they whiz by.
You can work with your therapist to identify what types of coping mechanisms keep you centered, come what may.
Some potential coping mechanisms you might develop a plan-of-action for with a therapist include:
- Meditation
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Exercise, whether it’s a walk around the block or a full workout class
- Prioritizing social plans — or conversely, spending time alone
- Breathwork, including exercises that incorporate essential oils
You can also work on building skills that allow you to walk away from situations that make you upset, angry, uncomfortable, or otherwise threatening to your well-earned zen.
- THERAPY GIVES YOUR BRAIN SOME MUCH-NEEDED R&R
Studies have shown that the sheer act of verbalizing our feelings can ease emotions like sadness, anger, and pain.
By releasing those thoughts from your brain in therapy, you’re clearing up space in your mind — and letting in more zen.
- THERAPY MAY HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER
Zen is so much more accessible after a good night’s rest. With roughly one in four Americans struggling with sleeping difficulties, therapy can provide a great alternative solution, and put the “ZZZs” back in “zen.”
Research has revealed that CBT — and specifically, CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) — can help with sleep by identifying and reversing sleep-preventing behaviors.
Treatment often starts with a detailed sleep diary for a few days or weeks, after which your therapist will work with you to develop better sleep habits. You may only need four to five sessions to improve your sleep habits.
Remember: You can only reach peak levels of zen when you’re fully charged, and therapy can provide you with the tools you need to reboot your energy levels.
- THERAPY LEADS YOU TO PEACE OF MIND
Not every situations can be resolved in the moment — and that, in itself, may be
frustrating. For any instance that leaves you feeling unsettled or unfulfilled, you can make a note of it to bring it up in therapy. You’ll get peace of mind knowing you have a safe space to work through any issues.
Therapy can be tough work, but it can also be rewarding. You and your therapist can work together to figure out what types of practices help you plant, nurture, and grow your zen side.
Ready to dip your toes in the therapy waters? Visit Zencare.co to match with your ideal therapist; watch therapist videos and book free initial calls to find a therapist who can help you tap into your inner zen.
