Have you ever heard of “mental blocks?” No? Have you ever had one? Or at least, have you ever thought you had one and didn’t know it at the time? If you’re reading this article, you are surely not alone in that.
Our minds are complex machines. Like anything that runs empty, our minds tend to slow down or even come to a complete stop when we don’t treat it the way it needs to be treated. You wouldn’t let your car run out of oil, right? So why would you let your brain run out of thoughts and ideas?
Burn Out Ratio Before And After COVID-19
According to the results of a study dating prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 52% of workers resonate with the term “burn out” and report experiencing symptoms of this infernal office plague.
“Burn out” is defined by severe fatigue and anxiety, lack of concentration or motivation, rising rates of depression, and feelings of apathy towards life, and then some.
Now, in 2024, based on another office survey, 65% of workers are still experiencing the effects of “burn out” post-pandemic. Burnout can result from many influences in and out of the workplace. Those influences can range from a hostile work environment and poor management self-criticism to other pressures of life, including family matters, health crises, and many more.
Of course, “burn out” doesn’t quite happen overnight. It’s a slow, gradual process that takes time to build and take effect. Speaking of, a determining part of this process is coined as “mental blocks.” “Mental blocks” are purely gaps in productivity or willpower or a lack of motivation to continue or finish–or even start–a given project or article.
What are “Mental Blocks?”
According to Neuroscience News, the science behind “mental blocks” is based on neurological patterns or “shortcuts.” The human brain takes these “shortcuts” for already learned behaviors, which can also result in errors or mistakes–which can mean anything from misspelling a coworker’s name in an email or an occasional typo to missing a meeting or an important deadline.
These “mental blocks” can also bleed into other, more personal facets of life. They can have long-term effects on memory, sleep schedule, and adverse reactions to stress and stimulation. Thus, “mental blocks” can easily affect overall personal and physical health.
Getting Around “Mental Blocks”
Don’t worry, though–there are many ways to avoid falling into these mental traps! Start with crosswords, puzzles, sudoku, and other mind exercises or games. Hands-on projects (arts and crafts, yardwork, cooking, baking, etc.) can also break your mind from overthinking into one of these mental lapses. Try engaging in group sports, public outings, and other social excursions. Socialization and emotional support can help wear down these “mental blocks.” Also, eating mindfully and healthily can greatly improve focus and clarity–in translation, eliminating dairy, sugars, heavy carbs, and other delicacies. Implement healthier alternatives and stay hydrated!
Deep, engaging conversations with friends and family can improve critical thinking. Along the same lines, try working with meditation, positive affirmations, and self-talk. Invest in self-help books, workbooks, as well as considering MicroTherapy™ by Mindful Care.
As for self-awareness strategies, self-reflection and peer feedback can help build that emotional muscle. Keep a journal, and don’t be afraid to learn from and listen to others going through similar mental processes. Be more open to criticism for the sake of personal and professional growth.
Unfortunately, “mental blocks” come with the territory of everyday life–whether you work in an office, run your own company, or work from home. In addition to other stressors in life, “mental blocks” can pile up until there’s a breaking point. That breaking point can be as little as a night of staying into something potentially catastrophic.
Address Mental Blocks To Enhance Overall Health
Don’t think you have to weather out the storm for it to “pass” because sometimes, those “mental blocks” snowball into other problems. Again, these long-lasting problems can result in depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, poor hygiene, poor digestive health, and an overall poorer quality of life.
So the next time you’re experiencing a “mental block,” take some time to step away from the keyboard or look away from the monitor and slow down. Prioritize yourself and your needs. Doing so will discourage these “mental blocks” from continuing to overrun your life.
With that being said, it’s never too late to start a good habit–start out slow and commit. Don’t rush into a routine without trying it out first and seeing what works for you. Everyone has their preferences when it comes to self-care–including when it comes to your mind and how it works. You are the conductor of the machine, and that is your mind. It’s time to start appreciating it!
