Doing a “mental Wash” on The Way Home From Work
One of the ways you can rid yourself of work worries is to do a “mental wash.”
Before you step across your threshold and contaminate your home with emotional toxins you have unwittingly carried with you, take time to cleanse your mind. You can do it as you travel home. You will benefit as well as your family, if you do it in a therapeutic way. It’s not unlike decontaminating hazardous waste. I’m sure you’ve seen people on TV news reports dressed in protective gear, with every part of their bodies covered when they come out of the dangerous environment they start the “wash-down.” With shower spray nozzles poking into every crevice, they remove every trace of toxin. Our emotions need such “decontamination” each day so as to arrive home clean and avoid infecting our families.
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If you work in a family business or an office attached to your home, a long walk is recommended before you join your family or friends. The exercise will do you good, but more importantly you need the time for your mental wash-down.
• Gather up the unresolved problems of the day that might still be bothering you.
• If you need to do something to resolve the “unfinished business,” make a note or dictate an instruction on a portable recorder. The main point is: get it out of your mind and into some other form of memory. If you don’t, it can continue to bug you.
• Review the things that have made you angry. Clarify why you are angry, who has made you angry, and what, if anything, you can do the next day. Write it down or record it.
• Resolve that you won’t take your anger or frustration out on your family (or the dog, for that matter). By making such a resolve, you reduce the likelihood of scapegoating.
• Many sources of frustration or angry you will not be able to resolve, or avenge. Try forgiveness as an antidote. We have neglected forgiveness as a virtue with practical benefits. Try forgiving those hurts you don’t deserve, as well as the ones you do deserve. Nobody’s perfect! If you ride home with a friend or work partner, sharing this mental wash-down could be mutually beneficial.
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User Comments
Daisy Peasblossom
On November 2, 2009 at 7:41 am
Good points. You might also add sorting out the good parts of the day, and focusing on those instead of the ones that made you angry.
Jane Benitez
On November 2, 2009 at 8:22 am
Thanks for so many valid points – great read.
Starpisces
On November 2, 2009 at 8:25 am
Very useful tips.. thanks.
Jenny Heart
On November 2, 2009 at 8:33 am
What a thought provoking article! I know people who this could benefit. A great one!
Petalm
On November 2, 2009 at 8:33 am
This is very good advice, and I know many people who have trouble switching from the work environment to home mentally.
athena goodlight
On November 2, 2009 at 8:38 am
I agree. I also do these walks often to defrag my mind in order to prepare for what’s ahead.
chitragopi
On November 2, 2009 at 9:42 am
Well thought over and beautifully expressed. Thank you for this wonderful article.
alc
On November 2, 2009 at 9:46 am
Great article and great points. Thank you for sharing!
Christine Ramsay
On November 2, 2009 at 10:38 am
A very good article to set you thinking. Well done.
Christine
Lady Sunshine
On November 2, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Everyone can benefit from this. Thanks gift!
Mystify
On November 2, 2009 at 6:54 pm
This is simply fantastic Gift! Wonderful concept and one I like very much! I shall try this because it is such a great idea! Excellent work!!
Themax
On November 4, 2009 at 5:26 am
great points thank you very much
Jane Jane
On November 4, 2009 at 9:07 am
great article. good points to offer.
simplyoj
On November 5, 2009 at 6:12 am
good article, this is very helpful. I also do mental wash separating work from personal thoughts.
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