Stuck in Thought

When we are stuck in thought, it can keep us trapped in worry. Worry is always accompanied by fear and that will keep us in our emotion brain, creating a block to our logical and rational brain. Very often, the thought takes over and we lose the ability to process the feeling.

Step 1:  Name the feeling attached to the thought. Ask yourself, “Why am I feeling this way?” (Usually, we can find the answer.)

Step 2: Ask yourself, “Is this thought helpful?” (The answer will most likely be no.)

Step 3: “Can I do anything about this thought?” (The answer is Yes.)

From here we can move to challenging the thought, replacing the thought. We can move to distraction –re-set yourself by taking some deep breaths, by movement, by getting outside, by journalling. Call a friend, put on an upbeat song, take back your power. After all, it is just an unhelpful thought that isn’t best serving you. Process and distraction; it works. It may take some practice, but it will help you get past the stuck-ness of  thoughts.