We've heard the saying "mind over matter", that is to be mentally strong enough to endure lifes challenges like abuse, rejection, mental daily challenges and even basic action like going outdoors to shop.
One of the many problems with anxiety, that was highlighted in1987 during my first therapy session was realism. He asked me regularly when I mentioned my thoughts during the week- "is that realistic"? 90% of the time it wasn't hence, an anxious mental state.
Eg I wont park in a one hour zone to enter a newsagents or I might get a parking fine. Unrealistic as I'd only be there 5 minutes.
I wont take a train into the city as there might be a train strike and I'd be stranded.
Getting things into perspective is a key to recovery with anxiety.
What about "matter over mind"?
It is another theory of mine. Many times during my decades of anxiety now largely conquered, I'd question my ability to carry out a basic task like driving to a town I not often visited. Yet when I finally found the courage the task proved easy.
Some of this process involves changing our mind
Google
Beyondblue Topic switching mindsets
Essentially that theme is to allow your physical actions to commence a task BEFORE you think too much about it, knowing that it is my minds anxious makeup that is enabling me to feel I cant do those tasks.
Mind over matter is an impossible thinking process if it is beyond your capability.
"Matter over mind" is more possible by temporarily detaching your over thinking, over analysing mind. A process more likely within your capability. It is a different path to the same objective...to overcome our unrealistic fears that can lead us back towards a normal life.
Freedom from anxiety took me 30 years. Matter over mind had a significant role in that recovery.
TonyWK
