Getting out of the overthinking trap

Hello friends,

At times our brains are a constant chatter. That internal voice can be calming, mean, worried, righteous, validating, etc. When we can’t turn our brains off the thought pattern tends to be repetitive and circular. For example, you’re annoyed with your partner, and you keep having the conversation in your head about why your position is valid and they need to change.

I know many of us are feeling deeply unsettled about the election. I’m finding myself getting caught in repetitive anxious thoughts. This mental merry-go-round is making me feel gross and I need a break.

I imagine you already know a lot of things you “should” be doing to ground yourself and get out of your head. Getting out in nature, moving your body, increasing your social connections, and reducing your social media and news intake are tried and true methods. These are the building blocks for good mental health.

I will highlight two other gems that can help when our head is spinning and we need a break.

1.      Journaling or writing can be a fantastic way to go from circular to linear thinking. When you write you don’t want to write the same thought over and over, so you move from one thought to the next which can lead to clarity and insight. For some it can feel like a purging of worry, anger, sadness from your mind and onto paper. I’m not sure how it would work if you typed it out on a phone or computer. If you try it, let me know if you get the same sensation as pen to paper.

2.      More music! Whether it’s playing an instrument, singing or dancing, let music percolate through your body. I won’t put words to why music is so magical. Experience it. Listen to a song that calls to you. Maybe you will dance wildly or sing loudly. Maybe it will make you cry and release some tension in your body.

Let’s thank our brain for all it does for us. It’s doing its job to keep us safe and alive. After we thank it, let it know it can take a rest. We aren’t interested in unnecessary suffering. Lastly, we use the tools in our toolbox and have lots of compassion for ourselves.

With loving support,

Mallory

Recommendations

My go-to musical outlet is dancing. Here are a few songs that have been making me move lately, including while writing this newsletter.

Proud Mary- Tina Turner

I Wanna Get Better- Bleachers

Stay High- Brittany Howard

Free- Florence + The Machines