What would you do if you found a piece of trash in your room?
What would you do if on the floor of your room, there was a poorly disposed wrapper or paper, alerting you to its presence by its jarring contrast to the relatively tidy room? You would probably pick it up and dispose of it properly. Or perhaps, if you were feeling particularly lethargic, you would at least make a mental note to clean it up later. These are both natural responses to a minor disturbance within a personal space; things that we do without even thinking about it much.
We feel a sense of responsibility for the spaces that we occupy. So, when our space is dirty, we respond by cleaning it up. In contrast, you may not be particularly interested in going out of your way to clean up and maintain a random space outside your home. For example, if you saw the same piece of trash on the street, your immediate response might not involve taking the responsibility to pick it up and throw it away properly.
Personal spaces, however, are not limited to physical areas such as one’s home or room. Rather, they can be mental and emotional in nature too. A major aspect of growing up is recognising this fact and remembering it in our daily interactions. We learn to adopt a certain etiquette that ensures that we do not invade each other’s mental spaces. For instance, we know not to ask invasive or rude questions (or at least we ought to know). We know not to interrupt someone when they are deeply focused on a particular task. We also know not to peek into someone else’s phone. These are simple rules that make the world a more comfortable place for everyone to live in.
However, how much effort do we put into maintaining our own mental spaces?
We tend to keep our personal physical spaces clean and safe while being a little more nonchalant in public areas. In contrast, when it comes to mental spaces, we seem to have adopted a habit of treating ourselves with less courtesy than that which we offer to a complete stranger.
Our minds and emotions are very real parts of us that need to be maintained and cared for. If you would not allow strangers into your room or leave trash to pile up on your bed, then why wouldn’t you extend your care to your mental space too?
Cleaning up and maintaining our mental spaces can mean different things for different people. For some people, introspection and meditation can help them clear their minds and understand their emotions while for others, the habit of journaling is preferable. Some even use art or music to help them clear their minds.
Regardless of your choice, it is important to remember that caring for your mental health is a continuous and conscious effort. It takes time and a proper understanding of yourself to have a healthy mind. Apart from engaging in activities like those listed above, caring for your mind also includes the choices that you make every day. Learn to set clear boundaries between your work and home so that you do not feel overwhelmed or suffocated. If you seem to be caught up in any type of relationship that is constantly leaving you upset, find a way to fix the root issue or remove yourself from the relationship.
Finally, never be afraid to seek professional help if you cannot seem to control your emotions or your mind.
