Have you ever had that moment where your mind was so full, your emotions were all over the place, and you lost all your tolerance?
It was probably limited bandwidth. No, not your internet capacity, but your mental capacity.
In simple technological terms, bandwidth is often thought of as internet speed or the amount of data that can be transferred in a given time before becoming distorted. Think of your mental capacity as bandwidth. Everything you have moving throughout your mind takes away from your bandwidth.
Once you run out, your thoughts and actions become distorted, and leave no space for anything else to flow in, or out for that matter. We’ve all been there, and I’m sure nobody really enjoys being there.
So Let’s talk about how to protect your bandwidth:
1. Decide
Research shows we make about 35 000 decisions per day. Make your first decision be about the kind of day you will have. It seems odd, but once you decide, nobody else can make the decision for you.
2. Let it go
Throughout your day, choose to let go of things you can’t control. For example, frustrating moments in traffic, others’ behaviors or attitudes, the way others choose to see you, or the turnout of something you want to work out a certain way. If you can’t control it, you have no business losing bandwidth over it.
3. Journal
Get your frustrations out of your mind and onto paper. The more you get out, the less there is to take up space in your mind.
4. Do it another time
If you are not in the right frame of mind to have a heavy conversation, politely ask to do it another time. I’ve made that mistake before. Actually, right before a huge test. I walked into that test incredibly frustrated so much so that nothing on the paper made sense to me, and it definitely showed later on. My bandwidth was the problem.
5. Exercise
Even if it’s just a walk, it will get you taking deeper breaths, increase blood flow and release endorphins, known as “happy hormones.”
6. Talk
about it with a close friend or therapist, which by the way, does not mean something is wrong with you, but rather that you are looking to live your healthiest and happiest life because you deserve it.
7. Take some time out
and do something you find relaxing. For me, it’s an early and quiet night featuring some candles, tea, and calm music.
8. Be around good company
Isolation is never a good thing (although, it is my personal default). Instead, surround yourself with people who make you feel happy and loved.
9. Meditate
I used to not quite understand this concept, but all it means is to think or direct your focus. It can be as simple as lying down in a quiet space, taking slow, deep, and gently audible breaths as you listen, and pay attention to the rise and fall of your chest. If worship music is your thing, you can even listen to that in the background. The extra oxygen automatically makes you feel more relaxed and gives your mind more clarity.
10. Laugh
I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised. Not taking credit for this one, but I hope you laughed. Do more of that. It will immediately make you feel lighter.
The more you have occupying the space, the less you have for the things of life, so protect the mental and emotional capacity you have. It will directly affect your everyday life.
If you enjoyed this post, check out It's Okay to Not Be Okay. Or maybe, Don't Take It Personally.
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Broken to Beautiful. Where Your Pain Becomes Your Power.