There are some incidents in our lives that keep bothering us for a long time. Whether it is a breakdown of a relationship, a career failure or any painful experience – these old and bad memories put the burden on the brain. Gradually these memories leave a profound impact on our thinking, behavior and emotions. If they are not removed in time, then they can also cause stress, anxiety and depression. Let us know what practical steps can be taken to get rid of these old and bad memories.
1. Accept, don’t press
Often people try to suppress them to forget bad memories. But the truth is that the more we suppress something, the more it roams in the mind. So first of all accept your feelings. Suppose yes, this incident happened and it hurt you. When you honest yourself, only then you will be able to move towards leaving it.
2. Take care and meditation
Meditation means meditation is the most effective way to calm the mind. When you sit quietly for a few minutes and focus on deep breaths, the negative thoughts going on in the brain gradually start decreasing. Yoga and Pranayama also help in maintaining mental peace and balance. This practice focuses on the present and helps lighten the burden of the past.
3. Keep yourself busy
Memories of the past are more disturbed only when we sit empty. That is why keep your day busy with useful work. Adopt a new hobby, read books, listen to music or spend time with friends and family. When your mind will be engaged in a creative work, the place will be less left for bad memories.
4. Write out
Things that are being eaten inside us can be very helpful to take them on paper. Write your feelings in the diary and read it and understand which memory is hurting you again and again. By writing many times, the mind becomes lighter and gradually the intensity of those things starts decreasing.
5. Develop positive thinking
The best way to eradicate negative memories is to adopt positivity. Remember the good events, achievements and happiness of your life. Make a habit of being grateful every day. Learn to find happiness in small things. When you focus on good aspects of your life, the grip of bad memories will automatically loose.
6. Learn to forgive
Often bad memories are also associated with injustice or deception done by someone. If you are unable to forgive anyone, then that injury is always fresh. So learn to forgive – not only others, but also yourself. Remember, sorry does not mean that you are justifying the wrong, but it means that you are freeing your mind from that burden.
7. Take professional help
If the old memories are so deep that it is difficult to get out of them, it can be the best option to seek help from a psychologist or counselor. With therapy, you will be able to understand the pain hidden within you and learn how to remove it.
