When the Mind Plays Tricks | How to Catch Yourself and Reset

Our minds play tricks on us—all the time.

It’s a bold statement, but one supported by decades of psychological research and personal experience. So much of what we believe to be true- our preferences, our perspectives, our emotional reactions- is shaped by past experiences and internalised narratives. We don’t see things as they are; we see them through the lens of who we've been, what we’ve been through, and what we've learned to fear or desire.

This realisation prompted me to explore further, seeking to understand the root cause of misalignment and disharmony in life. The first step in this journey is to become fully aware of our fear-based, knee-jerk reactions. These responses are often irrational and impulsive, leading to chaotic and disproportionate outcomes. Take a moment to reflect on how many times you’ve reacted to people or circumstances, and how many of those reactions you now regret. It’s no surprise that stress heightens our defence mechanisms. Under pressure, our usual composure can quickly slip away.

When the body is flooded with stress hormones like cortisol, our access to intuition and clear thinking becomes limited. Decisions are no longer guided by wisdom or perspective, but by a primal urge to protect ourselves, an instinct shaped by old wounds and unconscious conditioning. In this survival mode, emotions such as anger, frustration, envy, and resentment can spiral into a tangled web of urgency, often fuelled by a need to ‘win’ an argument or prove a point. We might justify these reactions at the time, but in reality, they create an internal environment that doesn’t serve us. These emotional states can influence perception, behaviour, and outcomes in a self-reinforcing loop.

An internal conflict quickly arises between the head and the heart. Deep down, the heart, where the soul resides, craves peace, connection, and freedom. But when the mind is busy waging battles, both internal and external, we drift further from the calm we seek. The more we resist, the more chaos we attract—chaos that shows up as inner turmoil, disrupted sleep, loss of appetite, and depleted energy.

When you feel deflated, burnt out, or out of sorts, use it as a cue for a reset—an opportunity to break the cycle. Recognise these moments and gently steer yourself back towards inner calm and clarity.

Simple Ways to Reset When You Feel Out of Sorts:

• Pause and Breathe
  Take a few intentional breaths. Inhale slowly through the nose, exhale gently through the mouth. Don’t try to force it—just consciously breathe in and out, allowing the body to soften. Even one minute of intentional breathing can interrupt the stress response by bringing your awareness to the present and helping you feel more grounded.

• Name What You’re Feeling
  Labelling the emotion (“I’m feeling overwhelmed” or “I’m frustrated right now”) brings awareness and helps reduce its intensity—so that you don’t suppress it by default. This simple act shifts you from reactivity into presence.

• Tap It Out
  Use EFT tapping to calm the nervous system. Gently tapping on acupressure points while acknowledging what you’re feeling can help release emotional charge and create space for clarity.

• Step Away from the Noise
  Unplug from digital devices and external input—even for just five minutes. Giving your mind some breathing room can break the cycle of overstimulation and restore a sense of calm.

• Ground Through the Body
  Stretch, shake out tension, or move through a few rounds of cat-cow. Physical movement helps energy flow and prevents emotions from getting stuck in the body.

• Meditate or Create a Moment of Stillness
  Sit in silence, place a hand over your heart, and simply notice your breath. These micro-moments of stillness signal to your system that it’s safe to soften and let go.

Keeping our mind, body, and spirit in balance requires daily attention and care. As we become more self-aware of our inner dialogues and reactive patterns, we can uncover their root causes and make the adjustments needed for lasting change. Working with a coach, therapist, or mentor can support you on this journey, guiding you towards greater clarity, healing, and harmony.