If, like many people, you are in the habit of worrying, then it can often feel like you are stuck, going round and round on a worry-go-round with thoughts and concerns whizzing round your head but never actually getting resolved. This often happens when we least want it; when lying in bed at night, when we want to relax and switch off or before a big event or test.
So, if many people want to get off the worry-go-round, why is it so hard to slow it down and jump off? Well, it has been said that it is uniquely human to self-reflect and focus on our thoughts, experiences and feelings. This can make life richer and more rewarding if the self-reflection is positive, productive and appropriate. Useful deep thinking is problem solving and leads to planning for best outcomes and a calm acceptance of what we cannot change. On the other hand, the type of thinking that has “What if….” swirling round your head at 2am, tends to lead to anxiety, negativity and over-thinking.
Many people believe that if they keep replaying the worse case scenario mentally, it will somehow protect them from or help them control the situation. However, research shows that the opposite is true: worrying and brooding actually maintain depressive symptoms and lead to poor problem solving. In other words, the more you worry, the worse you feel.
So, what is the answer? With focus and practice you can break the cycle of worrying and brooding. The Thrive Programme helps you achieve this by:
- Increasing your self-awareness. Once you are aware of what you are thinking, believing and doing to perpetuate this cycle of behaviour, you can develop the skills stop it.
- Increasing your self-esteem. When you feel good about yourself, you process your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a positive, helpful, self-compassionate way.
- Increasing your sense of power and control. The Thrive Programme supports you in becoming someone who believes that they control or strongly influences their experiences in life. It also helps you to believe that you have the skills and resources to tolerate and bounce back from challenges that are outside your personal control.
- Decreasing your social anxiety. The Thrive Programme helps you make internal judgments of yourself rather than worrying about embarrassing yourself, saying or doing the “wrong” thing or failing in some way.
Worrying, brooding and the resulting anxiety and depression are common reasons for people to contact me for help. If you would like to stop over-thinking and learn to live and think in a more positive, constructive way, please contact me to arrange your free initial consultation so that together we can get you living a happier, more fulfilled life.