To Compartmentalize Or Not To Compartmentalize? That Is The Question…

By Lisa S. Tarno

To compartmentalize is the ability to mentally separate or set aside one’s negative emotions. It’s a strategy that I currently am employing. If you have read my other blog articles,  there is a reoccurring theme of family discord that elicits sadness and disappointment. For the most part, I can live my life unhindered by them as I put them out of the forefront of my thoughts. That is essentially what compartmentalizing is. For me it is a conscious decision to do so in order to enjoy what is good in life.

Neuroscience is actually proving what biblical scripture prescribes especially in Philippians 4:8.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

There are four known areas that are impacted: 1. Reduction in Cognitive Overload 2. Emotional Wellbeing Is Improved 3. A Positive Mindset Is Fostered and 4. Healthy Thought Patterns Are Encouraged. This is all information from “@thefaithfilledtherapist” online.

Reduction in Cognitive Overload

When we redirect our focus onto what is “right and pure” what we are essentially doing is limiting and going around needless distractions. The selective attention system is activated in the brain, which reduces the strain on the prefrontal cortex and conserves mental energy. “Intentional thinking creates space for what truly matters, leaving us more productive and at peace.” ~@thefaithfilledtherapist

Emotional Wellbeing Is Improved

“Ruminating on what is ‘lovely and admirable’, rewires the brain, reducing activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for fear and stress. This lowers cortisol levels, promoting emotional regulation and balance. Scripture’s call to think on praiseworthy things aligns perfectly with neuroscience’s findings on reducing anxiety.”~@thefaithfilledtherapist

Fosters A Positive Mindset

“Focusing on good and praiseworthy thoughts strengthens neural pathways associated with gratitude and optimism, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. As science shows, intentional positivity helps us become more resilient, mirroring the transformation described in Philippians 4:8.”

~@thefaithfilledtherapist

Encourages Healthy Thought Patterns

“By replacing worry and negativity with God’s promises, we engage the neuroplasticity of the brain-its ability to form new neural pathways. This helps us break cycles of fear and rumination, renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) and promoting long term mental peace.” ~@thefaithfilledtherapist 

I draw attention to this because I believe it is what a lot of us HAVE to do to be resilient in life. We don’t ever truly forget what lies behind as scripture admonishes us to do, but rather we don’t DWELL on things that lie behind. For example, when we look at social media, why is it so easy to forget that we ALL have stuff going on in our lives we would rather not have? We see smiling faces and happy memories being made and maybe assume that there’s a life that has it all! Or a life that has it together? Is that accurate? Is that really fair? 

No! It is not accurate or fair. The truth is we as human beings all have stories to tell in our lives. We all have good and bad things that happen. What I am drawn to are the people with resilience! I am in their corner cheering them on. I love a good redirect story and the positivity that comes from that. I have little tolerance for the whiners and complainers who are stuck in self pity. We are all dealt certain cards in life…what are you going to do with them? How are you going to move FORWARD? How can your story bless someone else? What have you learned? Wisdom is often found in hindsight! 

This brings me back to the strategy of compartmentalization. When life seems to double down on you and the hits keep coming, I find this is necessary to do to function. I had just shared with some girlfriends more specifics of what’s going on and it’s been a heavy load. That said, the next day I chose to go out and have some fun with my husband and friends and we posted some pictures on social media. It would appear that I have it all together…that I know how to have fun. The latter part of that statement is true…I do know how to have fun. I refuse to mope around and ruminate on all the stuff that is going on. Thus, the beauty of compartmentalization. But the real beauty is knowing how to cast your cares on the Lord and trust that He will sustain us! That’s exactly what I did and continue to do. (Ps 55:22 & 1 Peter 5:7)