10 Aug How to Stop a Spiral of Negative Thinking In Its Tracks
So-called “negative thinking” is common.
We have do it; some of us more than others. And despite it’s “name” it’s not always bad.
But it definitely can be bad; or more accurately, unhelpful and unhealthy.
So if or when your thinking becomes problematic, here’s what you can do about it …
via Thrive by Rebecca Muller
We often talk about the longer-term habits and behavior changes that help us combat stress and burnout — but sometimes, we need in-the-moment strategies for an infusion of calm. During an overwhelming moment, it’s completely normal for our thoughts to start to spiral. But when we arm ourselves with tools to help us cope in those moments of panic, we can learn to pause and maintain perspective when we feel overwhelmed.
We asked our Thrive community to share with us the tips that help them maintain perspective in a moment of overwhelm or panic. Which of these strategies will you try?
Distract yourself with a puzzle
“I find that solving a challenging Sudoku puzzle stops my mind from spiraling out of control. I have recently found an app that lets you play sudoku ‘battles’ with other people in real time, which really forces me to concentrate on the game.”
—Bianca Riemer, leadership coach, London, UK
Take a deep breath
“One thing that helps me stop from spiraling into a negative thought loop is breathwork. I pause whatever it is that I was doing and I turn inwards. I consciously focus on taking slow and deep belly breaths in through the nose and expanding my belly outwards.”
—Paulina Xenia, manifestation coach, Portugal
Tap into a nostalgic memory
“I go back to a time where my dog and I were on an island on a large lake in Minnesota where we would sit on the dock or on top of the hill or on the porch and admire the beauty around us. It’s very beautiful whatever the time of year, and this memory helps to keep my mind from spiraling.”
—M Larson, A/R supervisor, Sacramento, CA
… keep reading the full & original article HERE