There are some events in our lives that leave deep wounds in the heart and mind. These incidents are sometimes related to the breakdown of a relationship, sometimes by an accident or struggle. Despite the passage of time, those evil and old memories do not diminish. They affect our present, take away mental peace and become a hindrance in the path of moving forward. The question is, can we get rid of these old memories? The answer is – yes! With the right way, patience and positive thinking, we can say goodbye to these cumbersome memories with our mind.
In this article we will know how to be freed from bad and old memories. Also, we will discuss the measures that make mental health strong and bring newness to life.
1. Psychological influence of bad and old memories
Old and bitter memories not only control our way of thinking, but also our behavior and feelings. Psychologists believe that any painful experience leaves a kind of deep mark in our brain. Whenever a situation matches that experience, that mark starts hurting again.
Stress: Old bad memories raise heads repeatedly and give rise to stress. This stress affects both our body and mind.
Negative Thinking: The person’s attitude becomes negative. Disappointment starts appearing in everything.
Low Self-SELF-SELTEM: Memories of chronic failures and injuries weaken the person’s confidence.
Insomnia and anxiety: Sleep is affected by thinking of bad memories again and again.
2. Steps before getting rid of bad memories
Accepting
The first step is to accept that pain. If we continue to deny our pain, it will deepen further. Accepting this does not mean that you are giving up, rather you are recognizing your feelings.
Tips:
Say to yourself: “Yes, I have endured the pain.”
Write your feelings, in the diary or in notes.
Forgive (forgiveness)
Sometimes the biggest burden of old memories is anger or hatred towards someone. If you forgive, free yourself. Forgiveness is necessary for yourself, not for others.
How to forgive?
Think that you will get mental peace by forgiving.
Understand that even a person in front can make a mistake.
Repeat the mind again and again: “I am letting it go.”
3. Practice for mental and emotional health
Meditation and Meditation
Meditation brings your mind to the present. It controls unwanted thinking and feelings in the brain. By doing regular meditation, the mind calms down and bad memories slowly start to fade.
How to do?
Choose a cool place.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Just focus on breaths.
If you wander your mind, then take care of the breath again.
Positive affirmations
It is very effective to say positive things to yourself daily. It develops a new thinking in the brain.
Example:
“I’m leaving the past behind.”
“There is a new beginning for me every day.”
“I’m strong and ready to move forward.”
Yoga and Breathing Exercises
Physical exercises have a direct impact on mental health. Yoga and pranayama reduces stress, and mental clarity increases.
Practice that help:
Anulom-control
Bhramari pranayama
Surya Namaskar
Relaxation Pose
4. Technology diverting attention from old memories
Adopt new hobbies (Adopt New Hobbies)
New learning is helpful in diverting attention from old sorrows. Learning a new skill gives new challenges to the brain and experiences satisfaction.
Example:
Learn music
Painting or sketching
Learn new language
Gardening
Spend time with positive people to spend time with positive people
Those who increase your confidence and give positive energy, spending time with them helps to leave the bad memories behind.
Go to outing with friends.
Spend quality time with family.
Take part in social work.
5. It is also important to get professional assistance
Sometimes old memories are so deep that it is difficult to deal with them alone. In such a situation, it is sensible to take help of mental health specialist or psychiatrist.
Therapy options:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): Help in changing negative thinking.
Eye Movement desensitization and reprocessing: Special technique to recover from trauma and bad memories.
Counseling: Helpful to share your feelings and find solutions.
6. Learning from the past and giving a new perspective to life
Focus on learning
Every experience, no matter how bitter it is, teaches something. Adopting bad memories as a lesson makes you stronger.
Identify your mistakes.
Note the things learned from them.
Pledge not to repeat the same mistakes in future.
Thank you (Practice Gratitude)
It helps a lot to recognize and thank what is good in your life. This makes the mental approach positive.
Write 3 things every day for which you are grateful.
Give importance to small happiness.
7. Time is the largest treatment (Time Heals Everything)
Be patient Nothing happens in a day. Recover from old memories asks for time. It is necessary to understand that as time passes, the pain decreases. But during this time it is important to take care of yourself.
