We’ve all heard the saying, “mind over matter.” But what does it really mean? How does what we think actually impact how we feel? To get some answers, we sat down with the hilarious and insightful psychologist Arjuun Sahay.
Arjuun is known for his unique approach to therapy, blending professional expertise with a healthy dose of humor. He believes that laughter is indeed the best medicine, and his patients often find themselves leaving their sessions feeling lighter and more optimistic.
So, how does our thinking affect our feelings, according to this witty therapist? Let’s dive in.
Your Brain is a Chatty Cathy (or Charlie)
“Your brain is like a relentless roommate,” Arjuun explains, “constantly talking, offering opinions, and sometimes, being a total drama queen.” He compares our thoughts to a radio station, always broadcasting something. The key, he says, is to tune into the right frequency.
“We often get stuck on negative stations,” Arjuun continues, “the ones playing endless loops of ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘Everything is terrible.’ But just like you’d change the channel on a bad radio show, you can change your thought patterns.”
Feeling Blue? Check Your Playlist
Arjuun uses a music analogy to illustrate his point. “Imagine your emotions are a playlist. If you keep playing sad songs, you’re going to feel down. But if you switch to an upbeat playlist, your mood will start to lift.”
Our thoughts are the DJs of our emotional lives. If we play negative tunes, we’ll experience negative emotions. But if we consciously choose to play more optimistic and positive thoughts, we can shift our emotional landscape.
How to Change the Tune
So, how do we start playing a better playlist? Arjuun offers a few practical tips:
- Challenge your thoughts: Is that negative thought really true? Is there evidence to support it?
- Practice gratitude: Focusing on what you’re thankful for can shift your perspective.
- Mindfulness: Being present in the moment can help reduce negative rumination.
- Humor: Laughter is a powerful tool for boosting mood and reducing stress.
Remember, changing your thought patterns takes time and practice. It’s like learning a new instrument – it might be challenging at first, but with persistence, you’ll get better.
As Arjuun likes to say, “Therapy is like upgrading your brain’s software. It might take some time, but the results are worth it.”
So, the next time you’re feeling down, take a moment to examine your thoughts. Are they helping or hindering your happiness? By making a conscious effort to shift your perspective, you can start to feel better. And remember, a little humor never hurt anyone!