Although working on autopilot can sometimes have advantages, used too much it can hinder your thought processes and get in the way of achieving your goals. Photo: FkexJobs.
Jourdan Travers outlines the dangers of relying too much on habits and tried-and-true methods of working that can result in your brain being trapped in autopilot mode. She suggests ways to address this.
Have you been feeling flat and uninspired lately? Do you find yourself doing things without thinking? Do you feel numb or overwhelmed easily? Do you dread the day ahead because there is nothing to look forward to?
If yes, then you may be overrelying on autopilot mode. Autopilot is a coping mechanism adopted by our brains to protect us from life’s stressors.
While autopilot can have adaptive advantages (e.g., allowing us to function on routine matters without expending too much energy), it can also be maladaptive – hindering our thought processes and getting in the way of us achieving our goals.
Here are three ways to toggle your brain out of autopilot mode.
Update your morning routine: Many of us find ourselves starting our day by looking at our mobile phones, jumping right in to check our email and social accounts.
While you may think this is helping you wake up, it may be jarring you from your morning calm into a more stressful state. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of an early morning phone check, consider having a morning ritual to release trapped emotions.
Morning rituals can be anything that allows you to be your real self and start the day slowly. For instance, you can stretch your body the moment you wake up, watch the sunrise, take a stroll in the garden, or meditate.
Mindfulness can help you bring your focus to the present moment. It is one way to help you sit with your thoughts, accepting them for what they are and gently correcting them as needed. Being mindful in the morning is a great way to tune into yourself before stepping into the chaotic world.
Set a daily intention: One of the best ways to promote happiness is to align your actions with your values and goals. Focus on how you want your future to look like and set specific, realistic goals to get there.
Instead of taking a huge leap, start with baby steps. Set an intention for the day, every day, that takes you closer to your vision. This could be: ”Today I will prioritise three things I need to get done to reach my goal, and schedule my time accordingly.” Or: ”I will be patient and kind to myself when I feel stressed and overwhelmed with work.”
It is important to remember that things may not come to you as easily as you’d like. In such cases, acknowledge it takes time to change. Remind yourself to focus on progress and not perfection. The more you set your sights on achieving your life’s purpose, the easier it is for you to break out of an overreliance on autopilot mode.
Take an adventurous detour: One of the ways in which we most often fall into autopilot mode is through having monotonous routines.
Break the monotony, change your routine, and spice it up. Embrace unexpected occurrences. This can benefit your thoughts, emotions, and mental and physical health.
Taking an adventure will force you into the present moment, engage your brain actively, and make you feel alive – and it doesn’t need to be fancy. It can be anything that gives your mind new perspectives and sensations, such as spending time with friends, joining a sports team, taking up a new hobby, visiting a museum, or even driving somewhere you’ve never been before.
Too much autopilot can leave you feeling dull and disconnected, so follow the advice above to expose your mind to new sensations and perspectives.
Jourdan Travers is a licensed clinical social worker who specialises in the treatment of anxiety, mood, substance abuse and dependence, and personality disorders. This article first appeared on the Awake Therapy website.
