Breaking Cycles of Psychological Impairments & Tips for Being Mindful of Time and Energy
- Feb 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 5, 2025
Jamille Edwards founded Golden Century Wellness, a sanctuary for those ready and willing to invest in their well-being. Through her work, Jamille aims not only to heal but to empower individuals to transcend societal stigmas and realize their fullest potential.
Psychological impairments refer to changes in thoughts, feelings, or behavioral patterns that affect work, school, relationships, and social functioning. These impairments can manifest as overthinking, hyper-focusing, unhealthy thinking, and recurring thought patterns. Feelings such as depression, sadness, worry, hopelessness, anger, and fear can contribute to these cycles. These behaviors can create a continuous loop of impairment, making it crucial to practice mindfulness by being intentional with time and energy.
Monitoring time and energy
The first step is to evaluate how time is being spent. This includes reviewing calendars, daily activities, programs, phone apps, and social media usage. Many digital devices provide insights into time allocation, offering a clear picture of how daily habits impact well-being. Since social media plays a significant role in daily activities, it will be used as an example.
Steps to assess social media usage
List the social media apps you use.
Identify why you use each app.
Explore the purpose behind your usage.
Reflect on what you have learned from the app (be honest!).
Assess how the app makes you feel.
Consider the type of content you are exposed to.
Weigh the pros and cons of your usage.
Create a healthier way to use your time on the app.
Determine if the app benefits your mental health.
Notice what you do after leaving the app.
Consider how often you discuss information from the app.
Applying mindfulness in social media use
For instance, a person might use a social media app to connect with family, remember birthdays, view pictures, and share posts. However, in doing so, they may also be exposed to news, debates, and social or political issues. This unintended exposure can generate thoughts and emotions that were not originally the focus. Many people feel the need to stay informed but may not always consider the pros and cons of doing so.
To manage this, individuals can reflect on their purpose for using the app, either through therapy or personal journaling. By setting clear boundaries, they can create healthier habits. For example, if the goal is to view family photos, they may choose to avoid reading news headlines, watching short videos, or engaging in online debates. Additionally, limiting conversations about social media content, whether in person, over the phone, or in therapy, can further support mindful usage.
Being mindful of energy
Change can be challenging, but being intentional about time and energy can lead to significant improvements. Thoughts and feelings fluctuate, but energy impacts overall well-being, power, and sustainability. Practicing mindfulness helps regulate energy by fostering a sense of control over what is absorbed and processed.
Tips for mindful energy management
Be aware of where you place your thoughts and feelings.
Pay attention to how your body feels.
Let go of things that no longer serve a purpose.
Be selective about what you read, listen to, and discuss.
Make decisions that align with your well-being.
Revisit and refine your life goals.
Prioritize what is important to you.
Quantify your actions and responsibilities.
Differentiate between tasks that are necessary and those that are optional.
Define your personal rights and values.
Set and maintain boundaries.
Manage what you expose yourself to.
Adjust your self-care routine as needed.
Engage in detoxing or cleansing (foods, devices, people, places, or activities).
Get adequate sleep.
Stay hydrated.
Acknowledging breaks and avoidance
Notably, the term "avoidance" is intentionally absent from this list. While avoidance is often viewed negatively, there are moments when it serves as a necessary coping mechanism. Sometimes, people avoid certain situations because they are harmful, and that is a valid choice. Mindfulness acknowledges the importance of taking breaks and setting a healthy pace for processing emotions and experiences.
The key to breaking a cycle is first to identify it, then work through it, and finally implement meaningful change. By being mindful of time and energy, individuals can create healthier patterns, enhance well-being, and regain control over their mental and emotional state.
Read more from Jamille Edwards
Jamille Edwards, Counselor, Educator, Consultant, Author, and Public Speaker
Jamille Edwards has invested a decade of her life exploring the intricacies of psychology, counseling, and spiritual practices. With a wealth of knowledge under her belt, she founded Golden Century Wellness, a platform that offers a diverse range of services aimed at promoting mental and emotional well-being. From personalized counseling and empowering coaching sessions to enlightening workshops, insightful articles, and impactful books, Jamille's mission is to guide individuals on their journey toward self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Through her expertise and compassionate approach, she seeks to empower others to unlock their true potential and lead fulfilling lives.
