Managing Mind-Blanks

What to do when your thoughts disappear

One of the most memorable phrases shared by a coaching client last year was the challenge that every time she stands up to speak, her 'thoughts fly away like seagulls.'

It was such a brilliant metaphor and came shortly after I'd experienced a mind-blank - an occasion where I stood up to speak in front of a small group and nothing came forward - my words had unexpectedly packed up and deserted me.  

I wonder if you've had the same experience? You may have gone to speak, been in the middle of a conversation, put your hand up or stood in front of a group and suddenly what you wanted to say has simply disappeared. 

While we might put this down to nervousness, and being nervous certainly contributes, scientists have a specific name for this phenomenon - it's called 'mind-blanking'. 

Mind-blanking is a mental state in which attention and perception de-couple - they stop working together. Your mind, which usually processes external and internal stimuli, consistently responding to your inner and outer worlds, stops doing this and freezes up.

While mind-blanking can occur spontaneously and without explanation, it's more likely to occur when the brain is overloaded, or stressed, for example, when trying to remember something important, worrying about speaking in front of others or feeling nervous about sharing your ideas. 

While mind-blanking is normal, if it happens regularly it can affect your confidence to speak up and to have the influence you'd like.

So if you regularly find your thoughts 'flying away like seagulls', here's five strategies that may be useful:

1. Pause
When your mind goes blank rather than responding to the panic and the urge to run, stand still and pause.  Take a sip of water or let people know your mind just went blank for a few seconds. Given it's quite common, it's likely you will be understood and given the grace to re-connect with what you wanted to say.

2. Breath deeply
Purposeful, deep breathing re-connects your brain with your body and helps with focus and attention. Try taking a deep breath in and allowing a long breath out. By the time you've done this, it's likely your thoughts will have returned to the present.  

3. Re-set
Ask to re-start or to take a short break or if your mind-blank happens in the midst of a conversation, ask the person to kindly repeat the question or comment they just made.
 

4. Practise compassionate self-talk
Often, when things don't go as smoothly as you'd like, you might have a tendency to beat yourself up when what you really need to do is lift yourself up.  If you experience a mind-blank, try speaking to yourself kindly.  Something like "this happens now and then" or "my brain just needs a short rest - it's been over-worked" or "it's ok - this happens to everyone".  

5. Keep it in perspective
A mind-blank doesn't need to throw you off track or stop you from speaking up and sharing your thoughts and opinions ongoingly. Allow yourself to pause, breath, re-set and practise self compassion.  Then, carry on.