We all need an escape from reality every now and then. While we miss the chance to jump on the first flight to a remote island, we can all escape the world around us using our mind. Since everyone has their own way of thinking, you may go by trial and error before finding out how you can mentally escape from reality. A lot of practice is required for this task, but it can be a great way to recharge and feel you can handle whatever life throws at you.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clear Your Mind
Step 1. Meditate
Meditation is a great way to clear your mind and escape everything around you. Traditionally it is used to regain calm and tranquility. Proper meditation allows you to transport your mind to a quiet place and take a break from reality. The beauty is that you can practice it in the comfort of home (or even in bed) and it does not require any preparation or the payment of a monthly fee.
- Choose a quiet environment, preferably free of distractions. It should have a comfortable temperature, be as quiet as possible, and offer you the option to be alone for half an hour.
- Find a comfortable position. Many people prefer to recline on the floor by relaxing the body, with the feet pointed outward and the palms of the hands facing up. There is no "right" position in which to meditate, so find the most comfortable one that allows you to stay still. You can also try the lotus position.
- Close your eyes. This way you will be able to harmonize with everything that happens around you. If necessary, cover your eyes with a mask or towel. If you are in a noisy place, try using a pair of earplugs. Do not think about anything. Relax completely so that you leave your mind free.
- Pay attention to your breathing. You don't necessarily have to try to control it, just breathe in and focus on the air coming in and out.
- Understand that in order to meditate correctly, you will need to practice. In the beginning it is almost inevitable that the mind wanders elsewhere. However, with practice, you will be able to empty it completely as you meditate. When your mind gets distracted, bring your attention back to the breath.
- Consider using a downloadable meditation program. Just go to Google or YouTube and search for "meditation".
Step 2. Listen to some music
It's a great way to clear your mind and escape reality. Music has been scientifically proven to have effects in various areas of the brain, can actually help people become aware of themselves and regulate mood. It is also often used to escape from the surrounding world.
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If you don't know what kind of music to listen to, try listening to ambient music or binaural tones.
For example, try relaxing with dr. Christopher Lloyd Clarke or Paul Baker's CD, “The Tranquil Harp: Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, Integration”
- If you want something different, try classical music, such as piano concerts, or listen to Gregorian chants.
- If you prefer something livelier, try the drum and bass instrumental genre.
Step 3. Practice yoga (or another relaxing physical activity)
In addition to the physical benefits, yoga also brings mental benefits. It is an activity that causes you to focus on your breath and body and to put aside the worries and stress related to reality. It's a great way to give yourself some time, clear your mind, temporarily escape from the world around you, and even get some exercise.
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If you've never practiced yoga before, do a Google search to find a gym near you. Sign up for a beginner's course and try to make it part of your everyday life. Generally, gyms allow you to participate in a trial class for free.
Talk to the yoga class instructor. He may recommend some exercises that help you mentally escape from reality
- If you prefer to practice yoga on your own, all you need is a mat, a bottle of water, and a room that gives you enough space to spread out the mat. Get the essentials from a sporting goods store and try it out for yourself in the comfort of your home.
- Keep in mind that you won't feel like you're running away from reality the first time you do yoga. You will have to practice it consistently so that it becomes an activity that favors the right state of mind for this escape.
Step 4. Try singing in a chanting style
Chanting chanting can help you temporarily escape from reality. Psalmody and mantra meditation allow you to "detach" from your mind and forget the world around you.
- By singing in a chanting style, you can stimulate a "relaxation" reaction. Basically, you can slow down your heart rate, brain waves, and breathing. These physical reactions can actually give you the feeling of abandonment of reality.
- Chanting the "om" mantra is said to be extremely relaxing for the mind, as it contributes to the production of hormones that promote relaxation. This is because the "om" sound stimulates vibrations through the lips and palate and in the back of the throat.
Step 5. Daydream
Daydreams are the best mental escape from reality, but many of us don't have the time to indulge in an escape into the world of the imagination. Fantasizing not only helps us escape from reality using the mind, but it also plays an important role because it allows us to recognize our potential, focus on our identity and personal worth, improve self-control and nurture our creativity.
- Give yourself the chance to daydream when you're not busy with something important. You could do this while running on the treadmill, in a traffic jam, or ironing your laundry.
- Let the mind begin to wander. It means that you don't have to exert any control over your fantasies. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to daydream.
- Keep daydreaming. According to some studies, people tend to fantasize less as they get older. However, this shouldn't be the case because daydreaming is the easiest way to mentally escape from reality and only takes a little time to devote to one's thoughts.
Part 2 of 3: Do Something to Mentally Escape from Reality
Step 1. Spend some time alone
Escaping from reality means temporarily forgetting the people who are part of your daily life, such as your partner, colleagues and children, and focusing on yourself again. Since, like most people, you will feel that the society we live in is hectic and stressful, by dedicating some time to yourself, you will be able to restore your spirit and prepare yourself to handle reality when you return. Loneliness will allow the mind to "restart".
- Turn off your phone and do not connect on social networks. If you do not temporarily cancel contact with everything and everyone, you will have less difficulty in mentally escaping from reality.
- Wake up half an hour earlier than the others and enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning. Take advantage of this time to reflect, meditate and daydream.
- Prioritize the moments you spend alone. Many of us spend most of the day meeting the needs of others, be it colleagues, family or friends. Therefore, make an effort every day to set aside some time to allow yourself the luxury of escaping the busy world around you.
Step 2. Try doing something repetitive and relaxing
Instead of allowing the mind to wander passively, some people find it helpful to engage in something that encourages escape from reality. There is quite a wide range of activities that can make it easier for you to escape from the world around you.
- Try painting or knitting. Repetitive movements can help you find peace and relief and allow you to mentally distance yourself from reality.
- If at the same time you're trying to keep yourself moving, go for a walk. A great exercise for physical health is to walk 7,000-8,000 steps a day. Moreover, if you take advantage of these moments to meditate, daydream or escape reality in some other way, you will benefit both physically and mentally.
- If you want to enjoy a few moments outdoors, try hiking, fishing or gardening. Being immersed in nature can be another way to mentally escape from reality.
- If you want to mentally escape from your surroundings, no activity is "more effective" than another. You should always do what you like. Some people find that the best way to take a break from reality is to go skydiving or snorkeling, while others prefer to play computer games or solve a puzzle.
Step 3. Read
Books are a great escape tool because they allow you to escape reality and enter another world without ever leaving the sofa. Choose a work by your favorite author, a timeless classic or a best-seller.
- Find a book that takes you to an imaginary world. It could be a fantasy world, such as that of "Harry Potter" or "The Lord of the Rings", or a narrative that develops in another era or place, such as a historical novel.
- Choose a series (like a trilogy or a series of books) to extend your escape from reality!
Part 3 of 3: Give yourself a little retreat from the world
Step 1. Set aside some time
Although it would be ideal to have 1-2 days to mentally escape from reality, even a few hours will be enough!
Step 2. Choose a seat
It can be a place that gives you a sense of calm and peace or that you've never been to before.
- Consider something outdoors, like a cabin in the woods.
- You could try going to the beach, as many people find it very relaxing.
- If you are looking for total relaxation, consider asking for hospitality at a monastery. Thanks to the austerity of this environment you could find peace and tranquility.
Step 3. Bring a diary with you
Write down what you think, but also the feelings and emotions you feel. Write a few letters to the people who have hurt you and burn them if you prefer. Write down your fears and bury it in a wood. These little tricks can help you regain focus during your retreat.
Step 4. Do something you enjoy
Take a long drive, go to the cinema, sit in front of a bonfire, taste a new beer, visit a museum. Give yourself something you don't have time to do in your reality.
Step 5. Stop and enjoy the moment
Try slowing down the pace of "real life" and accept the world around you. It can be especially enjoyable when you have taken refuge in a new place thanks to your small retreat.
- Sit back to observe and appreciate all the beauty of life around you.
- Think about the good things in your life and let the rest go, even if just for a moment.
- Walk slowly, look at the landscape, feel the breeze, listen to the birdsong. Do everything you normally never find the time or the patience for!
