Henna's Perfect Day

A little journal on self-care, mental health and life!

How to Let Go of Control

Letting go of control can be a difficult and challenging process, but it is also an essential part of personal growth and development. When we hold onto control, we often do so out of a sense of fear or insecurity. We may feel that we need to be in control in order to feel safe or to avoid making mistakes. However, this kind of control is ultimately an illusion, as we cannot control everything in our lives. By letting go of control, we can open ourselves up to new experiences, learn to trust ourselves and others, and find greater peace and fulfilment.

Here are a few tips for letting go of control:

Practice mindfulness.

One of the key ways to let go of control is to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. When you notice yourself feeling anxious or trying to control a situation, take a moment to pause and acknowledge your feelings. This can help you become more present in the moment and less reactive.

candles and incense for meditation
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Accept that you can’t control everything.

It’s important to recognize that you can’t control everything in your life. This can be difficult, especially if you tend to be a perfectionist. However, it’s important to accept that there are things you can’t change and that it’s okay to let go of control in those situations.

Find ways to cope with uncertainty.

Letting go of control often involves stepping into the unknown. This can be scary, but it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with uncertainty. This might include practising relaxation techniques, finding support from friends and loved ones, or engaging in activities that bring you joy.

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Trust yourself and others.

When we hold onto control, it’s often because we don’t trust ourselves or others. By building self-trust and learning to trust others, you can let go of control and find greater happiness and fulfilment.

Take small steps.

Letting go of control can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take small steps. Start by letting go of control in small, manageable situations and gradually work your way up to larger ones.

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Remember, letting go of control is a journey, and it takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.

By letting go of control, you can open yourself up to new experiences and find greater peace and fulfilment in your life.

Boanthropy – a Rare and Unusual Psychological Disorder

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Photo by Jonathan Petersson on Pexels.com

Boanthropy is a rare and unusual psychiatric disorder in which an individual believes they are a cow or a bull. It is believed to be a form of extreme identification with a particular animal, known as “zoanthropy.”

The term “boanthropy” comes from the Greek words “bos,” meaning “cow,” and “anthropos,” meaning “human.” It is a rare condition that has only been documented a few times in medical literature.

Symptoms of boanthropy may include a belief that the individual has the physical characteristics of a cow or bull, such as horns or hooves. They may also exhibit behaviour that is typical of cows or bulls, such as grazing on grass or making lowing noises.

The exact cause of boanthropy is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a variety of factors, including mental illness, substance abuse, and cultural or religious beliefs.

Some individuals may develop boanthropy as a result of severe stress or trauma, or as a manifestation of a deeper psychological issue, such as dissociative identity disorder or schizophrenia.

Boanthropy can be difficult to treat, as individuals with the condition may resist treatment or be unwilling to acknowledge their condition. Treatment may involve a combination of medications, therapy, and support from loved ones.

It is important to note that boanthropy is a rare and extreme condition, and should not be used to stigmatize or stereotype individuals with mental illness. It is important to seek help and support if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues.

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Other mental health awareness posts are shown below!

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Alien Hand Syndrome: Understanding a Rare Neurological Disorder

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Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Pexels.com

Alien hand syndrome is a rare neurological condition that causes one hand to act on its own free will. Sometimes one leg is affected, though this isn’t as common.

With alien hand syndrome, the hand isn’t under the control of the mind and moves as though it has its own mind. The affected hand feels foreign to its owner during these episodes and seems to move deliberately to carry out tasks that are unintentional.

While it can affect children, usually, alien hand occurs in adults. It’s sometimes referred to as Dr. Strangelove syndrome, Strangelovian hand, or anarchic hand.

What Causes Alien Hand Syndrome?

Alien hand syndrome can be caused by several factors. Some people develop alien hand syndrome after a stroke, trauma, or tumour. It’s sometimes associated with cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain aneurysms.

Alien hand syndrome is linked to brain surgeries that separate the two hemispheres of the brain. This may involve an incision along the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum divides the brain hemispheres and allows for communication between the two sides. Surgeries to treat epilepsy sometimes.

Mindful Observation: Unlock Your Calm

Mindful observation is an invaluable skill that can be used to help us stay in the present moment and be more aware of our surroundings.

It can be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief, as well as help us become more aware of what is going on around us. In order to master mindful observation, it is important to start with the basics. The first step is to practice mindful breathing.

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Take a few moments to focus on your breath and notice how it moves in and out of your body. Feel the sensations of the air entering and exiting your lungs. As you become more comfortable with mindful breathing, you can move on to mindful movement.

Try simple stretching exercises while focusing on your breath and body. This will help you become aware of your body’s movements and develop your body-mind connection.

woman in black sports bra and black leggings practicing yoga
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It is also important to make time for silence and allow yourself the opportunity to observe without distractions. Taking a few moments to sit in a chair, or even on a porch, without any distractions can be a great way to practice mindful observation.

Finally, you can use the mindful observation skill to hone in on a natural object, such as a plant, insect, or cloud in the sky.

person holding green leaf plant

Focus your attention on the object, noticing its shape, color, size, and movements. This will help you become more aware of the world around you. With practice and dedication, you can learn to master mindful observation and use it to help you stay in the present moment and be more attentive to your surroundings.

Mindful Listening: How to Master the Skill

Mindful listening is an important skill to master in order to strengthen relationships, increase understanding and improve communication.

To get started, follow these six steps:

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1. Set an intention to listen more mindfully. Take some time to reflect on why it is important to focus on listening mindfully. What areas of your life will benefit from it?

2. Find your inner silence. Once you are ready to practice mindful listening, be sure to eliminate both internal and external distractions in order to absorb the full message. Put away physical distractions like cell phones, TVs and computers, and try to focus on the present moment.

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3. Mind your judgments and advice. It is important to remember that mindful listening is not about providing advice or judging what the other person is saying. Instead, focus on understanding their feelings and perspective.

4. Listen for clues. Pay attention to the words, tone and body language of the speaker to gain insight into what they are thinking and how they are feeling. It is important to practice empathy when listening mindfully.

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woman pointing at a catalog while talking to a man

5. Use sound as an object of meditation. Take a moment to focus on the sound of the speaker’s voice and allow it to be an anchor for your mindfulness practice.

6. Turn down the volume of the world. It can be hard to focus on the conversation when there are numerous distractions around. To make sure that you are truly listening, be sure to turn down the volume of the world around you.

a woman lying on the bed while talking to her daughter

By following these steps, you can start to practice mindful listening and its benefits of improved communication, relationships and understanding.