onewillburn Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 For some time, I've noticed that after a night of heavy drinking, my thoughts often seem clearer. Does anybody have any insight into the biological process of alcohol consumption and/or hangovers that might help me figure out what makes me feel this way? I often feel very calm (as long as I'm not really hungover) and, in a sense, 'outside' of myself as if I can see the whole picture and make better decisions. It sounds strange, but it is really a nice, almost euphoric state of mind. The real interesting thing about this is that if my thoughts are so clear when this occurs, my thoughts must normally be fairly muddled. Maybe I've been living with a crowded and anxious mind for so long that I've never realized how unclear my thinking is. I've now been considering looking into some kind of anti-anxiety medication, but I'd like to exhaust some other possibilities before I take the jump into that particular field. Does anybody have any tips for clearer and more focused thinking? Something a little more advanced than breathing exercises, which can calm me down but never seem to clear my head. All help is appreciated.
Ronni_W Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 (edited) I think you may be referring to an altered state consciousness, achieved with aid of a (toxic) substance. Alcohol stays in the system after we feel noticeably drunk. Same can be had naturally through hypnosis; meditation; ritual chanting, dancing or drumming. Some people can 'zone out' performing more mundane tasks: gardening, ironing, jogging. Also when deeply involved in a creative activity: painting, sculpting, composing music...even listening to music. I would suggest a place to start is a guided visualization CD...or a meditation practice that focuses on the breath, or a mantra, or any fixed point of attention, really. Trying to go from "all mixed up" to just emptying your mind of thoughts is quite tricky (sometimes plain old impossible.) Best of luck. EDIT TO ADD: 'Mindful Meditation' - that's the term I couldn't get to. You could also try Googling that. Edited November 16, 2009 by Ronni_W noted
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