7 ways to naturally calm down the Monkey mind

A monkey mind, like a monkey, is one that jumps and swings from one branch (topic) to another. One moment you are on topic A and the next your mind says ‘Let's switch to topic B’. This constant chatter of thoughts, worries, and distractions can lead to stress, anxiety, and an overall sense of unrest.
But, there are some natural ways in which people can calm down their monkey mind and here we list some of them.

One of the simplest ways to calm down your monkey mind is through breathing. The simple process which makes life possible can also be the one that calms you down and helps you stay focused. But, don't just breathe like you normally do, instead sit in a quiet spot, close your eyes, don't play any music or tunes, and then just relax and focus on your inhales and exhales. Notice the sensation and feeling of air entering and leaving your body. And when your Monkey mind strikes again with uncountable thoughts, gently bring your attention back to your breath.

When we say outdoors, it does not mean going to chic cafes, clubs, or diners to calm your monkey mind. But, this means to spend time outdoors in nature. Near the trees, flowers, and the natural water sources is where nature is and what will help calm the monkey mind. Take a walk in the park without music blasting in your ears, sit by a river without anybody else, or hike in the mountains away from the sounds of everyday life. These are the type of activities that engage your senses fully and help calm the constant stream of thoughts.

The monkey mind is usually most active when you are not doing enough mentally and physically. When you have a thousand things on your mind, it is usually because you are not tiring it out enough. So, start doing some physical activity along with the mental activity you do at work or in school. Simple everyday movements like yoga, manual cleaning, or even walking some flights of stairs can tire out your mind and body and calm down the monkey mind.

Since mobile phones and tablets have become so easily accessible, there isn't a moment people are away from their technology. Before sleeping, as soon as waking up, while exercising, while eating, and so on, people are forever clutched to their phones and devices.

And because of this, people usually binge eat and are not aware of when their body feels full. They eat as long as the show or episode goes on and then when it ends they are either still very hungry or full beyond means. So, starting ahead, be aware of your eating habits. Eat slowly, savour each bite, pay attention to the flavours, and this way you'll be able to make healthier choices.

We live in a hyper-connected world today and are always seeing new information. One refresh and there are 3 more pictures uploaded by your favourite celeb. So, in a time where information is abundant, it becomes difficult to calm down the monkey mind. So, to help with this, take regular breaks from screens and the digital world. Even 10 minutes a day without a phone or internet connection can do wonders for the mind and body.

Aromatherapy is done using certain scents, such as lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood, as these have calming effects on the mind and body. Especially scents like lavender and chamomile when infused in the room for aromatherapy can help instantly calm down the mind and body. In an oil diffuser add 3-4 drops of an oil of your choice and then let it fill the air. Sit in a quiet spot, close your eyes, and think about how the different scents are reaching you. When you pay attention to one single thought, this also helps calm the monkey mind.

People usually have a monkey mind when they are stretched too thin and feel like there is so much that they have to do and achieve, and even when they feel like things are not going their way. And to calm down a monkey mind that has arisen because of these thoughts, visualisations and affirmations can really help. When you repeat certain phrases, it is like you are reprogramming your mind into believing that something will happen. So, to calm down in these situations when you feel your mind is all haywire, close your eyes and visualise yourself in a peaceful setting and repeat affirmations like ‘I am calm’, ‘My mind is centred’, ‘I have inner peace’, and the likes.

Another amzing trick to calm down the monkey mind is through sound healing. Things like meditation bowls, binaural beats, sounds and vibrations at a particular 'Hz', helps calm the mind down. The energy or frequencies in sound healing help you center the mind by focusing on the healiing energies and then in turn lose the monkey mind that has been jumping from one thought to another.