Understanding the 'Homeostasis' Mechanism of the Mind

Do you find yourself repeating, "I'll do it!" followed by "Never mind!"?

Have you ever felt a sudden surge of motivation, only for that passion to cool down instantly, leaving you thinking, "Maybe I'll skip it for now..."?

Especially when trying something new, you might feel excited at first, thinking, "I can do this!" but after a little time passes, you might retreat, wondering, "Should I really be doing this now?" or "Maybe it's just not the right time..."
This is something often felt most strongly with challenges that are important to you.

This cycle of "motivation and braking" is something many people experience.
It is a state where the positive feeling of "I want to try!" and the cautious feeling of "Maybe it's impossible right now..." are clashing within your mind.

There are moments when your feelings go back and forth, and you find yourself lost, not knowing what to do.

At times like this, you might think, "Is my decision-making lacking?" or "It's because I have a weak will..."

But in reality, this is a natural reaction where your mind is instinctively trying to protect you.

That is homeostasis.

This phenomenon is psychologically called "homeostasis."
The human mind has a tendency to avoid change and seek stability.
It is a mental function that tries to protect you from the anxiety and stress caused by taking on new challenges.

Since this is also a defense instinct, there is no need to worry if you keep repeating "Never mind."

Homeostasis is a safety device to protect us. Feeling like "Never mind" can be said to be a defensive reaction against forcing yourself to take action.
So, there is no need to worry too much about this!
Let's value the stability that your mind seeks.

Actually, there is a relationship between the HSP mechanism and
homeostasis.

For HSPs (Highly Sensitive Persons), there is a deep connection to this homeostasis.
HSPs are sensitive to the emotions and situations around them and tend to show strong reactions to environmental changes.
Therefore, resistance to change can become stronger.

HSPs have a safety device that works, but
that conversely becomes a source of anxiety.

HSPs have a strong mental function that tries to avoid change,
instinctively seeking stability and trying to avoid the stress and danger caused by change.
Because they are easily reactive to small changes in the environment and people's emotions due to their sensitivity, they have a strong tendency to avoid change.

However, on the other hand, even though HSPs are supposed to be protecting themselves by not moving, inside their hearts,
"Is it okay to do nothing?" or "Will I be okay like this?"
an impatience arises.

HSPs do not trust their mental safety device.

Because HSPs are sensitive to the expectations and emotions of those around them,
anxieties such as "If I stay like this, I might cause trouble for others" or "I feel like I'm the only one falling behind" become stronger.
As a result, even though they "chose not to move to protect themselves," the act of "not moving" conversely becomes a cause of anxiety, leading them to harborcontradictory emotions.This contradiction is the point that creates the characteristic dilemma of HSPs.

As a result,
they ignore the safety device and start working, saying, "I have to do it."
And they end up operating the device themselves, saying, "I have the motivation!"

However, that does not last long.
You yourself become exhausted, and the safety device also becomes confused, causing its function to dull.

At times like that...

First, take your time to imagine your current self and the goal you are aiming for.

What emotions are you carrying right now, and what is your current situation?
What kind of environment is your goal in, and what feelings do you have there?

By carefully going through this process, you will be able to hear the voice of your heart more clearly.

For example, it is important to pause for a moment to determine whether something you are hesitant to do right now is truly valuable to you.

While imagining your goal,
asking yourself, "Is this choice truly meaningful to me?"
"Will I feel glad that I made this choice in a few years?"
will give you confidence in your actions.

Furthermore, if you continue to ask "why is this necessary" during this process, the significance and value of your actions will naturally emerge.
Rather than just the pressure of "I have to do this,"
when the conviction that "I am acting because I truly value this" is born,
your actions will naturally be filled with energy, and you will be able to move forward without hesitation.

When choosing an action, your sensitive side as an HSP might lean toward "protection,"
but by simultaneously holding the perspective of whether the goal you are aiming for is a satisfying choice, your heart can find peace and generate the energy to move.

Let's face your heart's safety mechanism

Homeostasis is animportant mechanismfor protecting your heart.
It is a natural reaction that tries to protect you from change and new challenges to maintain a sense of security.

However, for HSPs, this safety mechanism can sometimes work excessively, causing anxiety and impatience.
"I should be protected by not moving, so why do I feel anxious?" Having such contradictory feelings is by no means strange.

Because of your sensitivity, the expectations of those around you and anxiety about the future may weigh heavily on your heart.
But those feelings are bornprecisely because you are delicate and highly sensitive.Therefore, there is no need to blame yourself.

What is important is to notice the rhythm of your heart and move at theappropriate timing.There is no need to rush.
While valuing your own pace, take your time to face what state you are in now and what is truly necessary for your future.

Starting to move can always begin with a small step.

Respecting the stability your heart seeks while moving forward toward the future little by little.
That process is the most comfortable way for you, and it will ultimately alleviate your anxiety and become the strength to move forward.

Please have the courage to move forward little by little while taking care of yourself.