4 Ways to Interrupt Anxious Thoughts
We all have anxious thoughts, Some times are worse than others. You know how it is—one thought leads to another, stress happens and then because of stress, you have more anxious thoughts. It turns into a cycle and can be hard to get out of if you don’t take control of those thoughts before they take control of you.
So how do you do it?
Here are 4 ways to interrupt an anxious thought at the onset:
1. RECOGNIZE IT
This is important. When an anxious thought enters your mind, you have to know that thought is an enemy and doesn’t belong in your life. If you don’t recognize and identify it, it will take up residence in a place it doesn’t belong—YOU!
2. ASSESS THE SITUATION
Figure out why you might be having those thoughts:
-Did you not sleep well?
-Are you hungry?
-Did you just watch something that caused you to feel sad ?
-Did you have a conversation with someone that wasn't good?
Identify your triggers.
Let me give you some scenarios:
I'm having these thoughts because I'm tired.
Everything is being heightened because I’m run down and haven't eaten.
I'm feeling uneasy because of the intense conversation I just had.
I'm feeling fearful because I've been listening to the news.
I reacted to something because it made me feel inadequate and brought out my insecurities.
I'm feeling sad and like my world is falling apart because I just watched a sad movie or listened to a sad song.
I know it sounds too simple, but when you can narrow down why you might be feeling the way you’re feeling, you’re then able to extinguish its power and begin working on a solution, which leads to number 3-
3. HAVE A PLAN
Negative. anxious, overwhelming thoughts happen. You must have a plan in hand to get back in a good place in your mind and your emotions.
Let me walk you some practical ways to formulate and integrate a plan
When I think I’m trapped, I’m going to go outside and GET SOME FRESH AIR AND GO FOR A WALK. (Walking helps reduce the pressure you might be feeling.)
When my mind is racing with anxiety I’M GOING TO QUIET IT BY MEDITATING AND PRAYING.
When it’s dark and I feel isolated and alone, I’m going to TURN ON THE LIGHT and OPEN THE CURTAINS.
When I'm tired, I’M GOING TO GET ON A HEALTHY SLEEP SCHEDULE AND GET SOME REST.
When I'm feeling sad and depressed I’m going to TURN ON SOME HAPPY MUSIC.
Pull out a book that will lift your spirits. Listen to an audio book. Speak positive, life-giving things over your life!
I’m going to make it through this
I am stronger than these thoughts
This will not break me
I am overcoming
I am calm and peaceful
My world is not falling apart
I am not defined by this anxiety
I am not losing my mind
Peace is on the way to my heart and mind
Anxious thoughts are leaving me now
God hasn't given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound, clear thinking mind
When these moments happen, you need to have a plan.
4. REMIND YOURSELF THERE IS HOPE
Anxiety is real, but so is hope. God is always just a prayer away.
You will get through this
There IS a light at the end of the tunnel
Remember, just because you might feel defeated doesn’t mean you are defeated!
April xo
