Your mind is stuck in a vicious spin cycle. Your problems circle
around and around inside your head like a runaway sock in a
laundromat dryer. There is no solution in sight, just sheer burnout.
This maddening mental phenomenon is called "circular thinking."
Everyone occasionally rehashes an old problem. But when it becomes a
habit, circular thinking can lead to mental and physical exhaustion.
It can interfere with sleep, work, family, and spiritual life. And
it's an ineffective way to problem-solve. It takes up all your energy
without giving anything back.
Try these tips for getting off the worry cycle and back into the life
cycle:
Catch yourself in the act. The first step to stopping circular
thinking is to become aware of when you're doing it.
Be kind to your mind. Understand that to think effectively, your mind
needs rest. Clear your mind at certain times of the day to observe a
few moments of silence. Also, shut off all thoughts whenever you find
yourself spinning.
Learn a meditative art. A yoga or meditation instructor can show you
the skills you'll need to stop worrying and to get in touch with your
positive inner voice.
Get moving. Whenever you sense that you're on mental repeat, get up
and start doing something productive. Exercise, cook, do a crossword
puzzle, take a bath, go to a movie, etc. Sometimes you just need to
remove yourself from a worry location.
Stop, rock and roll. Take a break from your worries and listen to
your favorite upbeat music. Better yet, dance to it.
Seek help. If you can't break the worry cycle, seek help from a
qualified counselor. Circular thinking can be a symptom of depression
or chemical imbalance.
Prepared by Eden Fairchild for Dreamlife (copyright 2001)
|
Free Forum Hosting
First 
