Are you thinking the same thoughts over and over and over...
Our friends who suffer with bi-polar and OCD issues are familiar with symptoms of repetitive thoughts as their brain surges in a manic direction.
But sometimes small issues start your mind spinning and as your frustration with your thoughts escalate, you are desperate to tell your head to shut up!
Your brain’s Number One job is to keep you alive. When a thought gets loaded with a surge of adrenalin, from fear, anxiety, excitement or even falling in love, that thought may be slotted as in the danger zone. Your brain will flip your thought like a pancake trying to be sure it is not a threat. If each time you have the thought, you get a “rush,” then you brain keeps that thought front and center.
There are a few ways to convince your brain that you are safe and to let you relax and go to sleep:
Run, dance, swim, or whatever vigorous exercise you can think of, for twenty minutes.
Put down on paper the worrisome thoughts and then the worst and best scenarios of whatever you are thinking about (this works well with songs or jingles stuck in your head).
Engage your right brain in creative thought like art, writing, music and allow your fatigued left brain to take a break and chill out.
DR. MOLLY
Dr. Molly Barrow earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor and educator in private practice. She is the author of the Malia & Teacup children's books, Matchlines for Singles; and Step Parenting Essentials. Dr. Barrow is a relationship expert helping individuals, couples, families, and co-workers improve their relationships and communication skills. Her commentary and advice column, quotes, radio show, interviews, and articles are enjoyed worldwide in O Magazine, Psychology Today, MSM.com, Parenting, Morning Blend, Match.com, Progressive Radio Network and Women’s Health.
.