How to Stop Catastrophizing: 7 Helpful Steps

One of the most destructive daily habits I carried with me for a long time and I think is a very common one for many people was the thought habit of catastrophizing. What is catastrophizing? This is when you build up a nightmare scenario of how everything could go totally wrong in some situation and imagine a big catastrophe in your mind. You may have a presentation tomorrow and your mind starts to pull up a scenario where you have left your notes at home, you make a fool of yourself, you are embarrassed in front the whole company and your boss yells at you for 20 minutes after the meeting. Scary stuff for sure. So how did I learn to handle this one? Let me share 7 steps that have really helped me out. Step 1: Loudly say stop to your inner critic. The catastrophe that has started to brew in your mind comes from your inner critic. He is telling you: “You will fail because it is what you always do.” Or that you have not prepared enough. Or that your boss will not be pleased with your presentation for some reason or other. Or all of that. So stop the inner critic quickly. In your mind, as soon as these thoughts pop up, shout: “NO!” Or: “NOPE, we are not going down that path again!” This will disrupt that train of thought and help you to start feeling more level-headed again. Step 2: Focus on your breathing. After disrupting the thought be still for a minute or two. Sit down if you can. Focus on just your in-breaths and out-breaths. Nothing el...
Source: Practical Happiness and Awesomeness Advice That Works | The Positivity Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Happiness Personal Development Relaxation Success Source Type: blogs