Five Keys to Managing Intrusive Thoughts

"Persistent thoughts can be signals to ourselves about underlying life issues that need resolution," writes Dr. Jill Suttie. "But by drawing upon mindfulness, a self-distanced perspective, physical exercise, redirection, and social support, you can perhaps find a path forward." Dr. Suttie presents these five practices as collaborators for our internal world of thoughts, which sometimes feel like they are less-collaborative and more combative in nature. "Repetitive, ruminative thinking can make it hard to see reality as it is, keeping us locked into negative thinking patterns that don’t serve us. When that happens, our mental health may be compromised; we may lose sleep, have trouble concentrating, or feel lethargic and depressed." When this becomes "so problematic that they’re hurting your health, relationships, or ability to engage with life" a professional therapist can provide guidance; however, Dr. Suttie offers hope that there are tools "for transforming rumination into something less toxic and even useful." 

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