Automatic pilot

Published on February 19, 2020

Joey

As an intern in the emergency room, Joey was always on autopilot.  He felt like he ran from room to room trying to manage crises, follow protocol, and stay out of the way of the doctors.  He loved what he did, but he was always going.  He didn’t have time to think about what he was going to eat for dinner, let alone what he was feeling.  When he got home after his shift, his mind would race, and he would recount every patient and doctor interaction that he had that day.  He was mentally and physically exhausted.  So why couldn’t he sleep?

Sandy

As the CEO of a startup, Sandy often felt that the success of the company was in her hands.  Her time management skills made her highly efficient, and she was able to accomplish more in a day than her employees would be able to in a week.  On the outside, it seemed that she could manage any employee, any team and the board of directors without breaking a sweat.  When she would get home at night, she felt like her brain was complete mush.  As soon as her head hit the pillow at night, she was out cold.  More nights than not, she would wake up at 3 A.M. completely panicked about her to-do list for the next day and the following week.

Automatic Pilot

When we move through our day on autopilot, our brain doesn’t have time to process what it needs to process.  This can lead to insomnia, brain fog or disturbing dreams.  Our mind is like any other organ; it needs time to rest and recover.  Pushing through fatigue leads to lowered focus and efficiency.

1. Check-in with yourself throughout the day: Ask yourself questions like what am I feeling?  What do I need?  When was the last time I ate or drank water?

2. Do something relaxing daily: This could be reading a book, listening to music, taking a walk, meditating or even taking a bath.

3. Do something just for you: Often people are so busy taking care of others and tasks, that they forget about themselves. You can do something as simple as really sitting down and slowly eating and enjoying your meal.

4. Make time to process: Sit down with no noise and just do nothing. What is your mind trying to process?  What happened during the day that perhaps you didn’t notice or have time to attend too?

Write it out

If you still have a hard time sleeping or find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, write it out.  Write what is making you anxious.  Is it something that can wait until tomorrow?  Can you write out a quick plan to resolve what is on your mind?  If you can’t come up with an idea, is it because it is something out of your control?  If it is out of your control, try to accept that it is out of your control and let it go.

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If you would like to set up an appointment please reach out to me on +852 2521 4668 or email m.borschel@mindnlife.com. You can book a private or Skype session.

Photo by Frans Van Heerden from Pexels


Category(s):Anxiety, Stress Management

Written by:

Dr Monica Borschel

Welcome! My passion is to help you find inner peace and emotional comfort within yourself and your relationships.

As social creatures, our relationships significantly shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced relationship-related traumas, which can leave us with emotional scars that require recovery.

Attachment traumas, such as divorce, break-ups, infidelity, neglect, and abuse, can be challenging. As an expert in attachment, loss, and trauma, I have spent many years studying how attachment styles can shift with loss and trauma.

I have seen how healthy relationships can lead to secure attachment and how insecure attachment can create turmoil in our lives. I aim to guide you toward cultivating healthy relationships with yourself, your children, your co-parent, and your romantic partner.

I can help you develop new attachment strategies that will allow you to form deeper connections and bonds with those around you. And, if you have children, I can also assist you in establishing secure attachments with both parents, which can be especially helpful in cases of separation or divorce.

I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at The University of Utah. From there, I moved to New York City, earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I then pursued my Doctorate in Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. I lived and worked in Hong Kong as a practicing Clinical Psychologist from 2010-2020. I reside in California and am pursuing my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. My training and qualifications include certifications in Brainspotting and High Conflict Coaching.

These tools, combined with my extensive knowledge and experience in the field, enable me to offer you the guidance and support you need to recover from past traumas and build healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is empathetic, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Every person can grow, and thrive. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals. So, whether you are struggling with relationship issues, divorce, abuse, attachment traumas, or other challenges, I am here to help you find the peace and comfort you deserve.

Email me at info@doctormonicaborschel.com or call the MindnLife Clinic at 852 2521 4668