Our past – whether it is sweet or bitter – is an important part of our life. But sometimes these past moments leave such a deep impact that they begin to determine the direction of our current thoughts, feelings and even our future. Have you ever wondered why an old experience is affecting your decisions today? Is the injury to an old relationship still preventing you from making a new beginning? If yes, you are not alone.
Psychological effect of past
Our brain has a special feature – it stores experiences. When an experience is very pleasant or very painful, the brain stores it “deeply”. This is the reason that an old thing, scene or even a song immediately draws us to that past. It can also be “triggering”-as inspiration or alert-but sometimes it limits our thinking, and we start looking at our present with the same old glasses.
How can the past become an obstacle
Self-doubt: Due to a failed attempt or relationship in the past, people lose faith in themselves.
Fear and uncertainty: People start to fear new opportunities after being rejected or cheated.
Crime realization and regret: carrying the burden of previous mistakes can cause mental stress and hesitation in decision making.
The cycle of negative thinking: Once negative thinking starts, it becomes a habit – which makes the future the same.
So is it possible to get rid of the past?
It is not easy to forget the past, but it is possible to overcome it and control it. Below are some remedies, which can help in this direction:
Measures to avoid them
1. Accept, don’t run
Often we try to ignore the past, but this makes it sit deeper into our mind. First of all it is important to accept that “yes, it happened” and it has now become a matter of the past.
2. Jernling
It is a therapeutic procedure to take 10 minutes every day to write your feelings. It removes negative thoughts and lightens the mind.
3. Change your attitude
Every experience gives some learning to learn something. Start seeing the past as “learning” instead of “mistake”.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation
Currently learning to live, the grip of the past becomes loose. Mental balance is improved by meditating a few minutes every day.
5. Create a support system
It is very effective to talk to your friends or family or to take professional consultation. We think we are alone, but our feelings are normal.
6. Social media detox
Many times social media reminds us of the past again and again, especially through old pictures or memories. Making a short distance can be helpful.
7. New interests and goals
When you immerse yourself in a new passion or purpose, the space for old memories decreases.
