1. Obsessing
Have you ever run something over and over in your mind with no end in sight? Psychology Today calls this the “Brood and Ruminate.” It’s safe to say that this term is more than fitting.
We all reflect on life circumstances. Unfortunately, there’s a point at which this becomes unhealthy. As Psychology Today says, we get stuck and replay the same scenes over and over. When this happens, we don’t solve anything. We just make ourselves feel miserable.
The good news is that there are things you can do about this unhealthy mental habit. Vicki Stark, MSW, MFT, tells Psychology Today that there are three steps you can take to stop obsessing. First, realize that pain is temporary. What you’re feeling now won’t always be this difficult. Second, remind yourself just how important you are. If someone doesn’t love you, this is no reflection on your value and worth. Other people shouldn’t define you. Third, focus on the future. Create a mental picture of how you will feel when you’ve accomplished new and different things.
2. Asking “What If?”
Asking “what if” is a common mental habit that we fall into. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s easy to question the past and the future on a regular basis. That said, this isn’t always the best mental habit to engage in. Granted, there can be times when we should ask “what if,” but other times it’s simply destructive to focus on the hypothetical and not the here and now.