Have you ever felt that nothing can phase you? That you can deal with whatever challenges life decides to throw at you? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel strong, yet flexible, full of emotion and yet calm, and generally content both internally and externally? Well, believe it or not, it is accessible to all of us. Of course it takes work and the desire to learn from challenges. However, a balanced mind, or emotional equilibrium, according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, is available to all of us. 

What is a Balanced Mind?

Very simply put, having a balanced mind means being emotionally stable such that you don’t get overwhelmed by emotions. You don’t get lost in the stories your brain creates and tells you over and over again. A balanced mind can feel an emotion and is able to let it go as “just an emotion” rather than building it up into stress. I also believe that having a balanced mind is linked to resilience. Essentially, a balanced mind will feel difficult emotions but will be able to get through them. A resilient and balanced mind does this through healthy coping strategies, leveraging a support network and implementing problem solving techniques. 

One of my favourite images is that our balanced mind can be just like a tree. We can be both strong and grounded and yet supple and unbreakable in the storm. Equanimity, a term that can be found in both philosophy and Buddhism, actually speaks more strongly to me than simply ‘a balanced mind’. Words such as composure, even-mindedness and calmness come to mind which can of course be gained through meditation and mindfulness. However, there are many other ways you can develop that same feeling of calm and grounded-ness.

Developing a More Balanced Mind

1- Diet and Supplements 

I think we now all know that a varied diet of greens, roots, grains and heathy fats and proteins is important for a balanced mind and body. However, do you know which specific foods can boost your mood or even your cognitive ability? Cutting out sugar and processed food whilst also eating more fish can make you feel so much healthier. If, however, you’re vegan like me then you have to pay even more attention to make sure you get all the nutrients and supplements that both your body and mind need, especially if you want to keep your mental health.

Research shows that B12 is a key vitamin which not only helps prevent cognitive decline as we get older, amongst other factors, but also keeps away depression and heart disease. It has now also been shown that B vitamins are key to having a healthy balance of chemicals in our brains. In fact, the company ivee is specifically promoting B12 because of its range of benefits. They also have a rather novel and highly effective way of administering such vitamins. Why not give it a go and check ivee out … being curious and open to new things is also another way to keep our minds healthy and balanced.  

2- Managing your Tech

How often you use your phone or check email is a key contributor to stress. It can make us feel out of control or it can detach us from what’s happening around us. This can make our emotions take control which can lead to stress if you don’t let them out. I know it sounds simple but be strict and set aside specific times for checking emails and messages. And don’t feel the pressure of replying straight away. Let people know that you are changing approach. From now on, you will reply to all messages within 1 to 3 days. I remember doing that some years ago and it was so liberating. Interestingly, people were initially surprised and then they very quickly thought it was a great idea. 

When you find yourself mindlessly reaching for facebook or Netflix, take a breath and feel your emotions. Whilst there is nothing wrong with relaxing with Netflix or reading about friends on facebook, what is wrong is when we become obsessive or mindless. Check in with your motivation of going through facebook – is there really a purpose or are you being mindless? Could you go for a walk instead? I always make sure I’ve had a walk outside before I watch an episode of something on Netflix. Not only do I feel so much better for it but I also find it easier to turn off Netflix, strange as that might sound.  

3- Emotional Wellness 

Whilst wellness covers 8 aspects, one of them is about how we manage our emotions. We all know what’s it like to feel overwhelmed by strong emotions. We either want to crumble and disappear into a black hole or we want to shout and explode. Wouldn’t it be great to just say to ourselves “oh, so that’s anger … hmmm… alright, you can move on now”. Or, “ah, so that’s what deep sadness feels like… ok, it’s perfectly normal to feel sad but let’s let it be and move on”. 

Of course it takes patience and practice but it does get easier with time to manage your emotions. There are some great healthy coping strategies you can use or you can journal to start becoming more aware of those emotions. And if you not quite ready for meditation, that’s ok too. In that case, perhaps try doing puzzles, for example, or something else that helps you ‘zone out’ whilst using your mind… and I don’t mean Netflix. 

Finally, of course, sleeping properly is also key. I know that’s often easier said than done. Something I read quite recently which might be helpful: next time you can’t sleep, tell yourself to stay awake. Isn’t it strange how we often want to do the opposite? Try it, you’ve got nothing to lose. 

How will You Start?

Hopefully you can now see that having a balanced mind is within reach. Of course there’ll be good days and bad days but the bad days can be helpful feedback. Perhaps you can change whatever isn’t working and try something else the following day. Either way, where are you going to start? What’s your plan for tomorrow?