Loading...

Changing Your Thinking Habits

Recent Articles

All Articles

Navigating Your Inner Voice: Distinguishing Between Unhelpful Thoughts and Realism

Our minds are constant narrators, generating a stream of thoughts that shape our perception of the world and ourselves.

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Releasing the Guilt of Personal Time

The feeling is a familiar, unwelcome companion for so many: a knot of guilt tightening in your stomach as you close the door to read a novel, a pang of anxiety as you decline an invitation to simply do nothing, or a whisper of accusation when you prioritize a hobby.

How to Identify the First Small Step on Any Journey

The question of how to know what small step to take first is a universal hurdle at the beginning of any new endeavor.

How to Be a Better Friend to Yourself

Think about how you talk to your best friend when they are having a tough day.

Why Writing Down Your Worries Can Change Your Mind

Have you ever felt like your brain is a browser with too many tabs open?

The Transformative Power of Pausing for a Single Breath

In the relentless rhythm of modern life, where self-kindness often falls to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list, the search for a simple first step can feel paradoxically overwhelming.

Recognizing Unbalanced and Negative Thought Patterns

The human mind is a constant narrator, weaving an internal dialogue that shapes our perception of the world and ourselves.

The Timeline of Transformation: How Long Does It Take to Really Change Your Thinking?

The desire to change one’s thinking—to shed unhelpful patterns, adopt a growth mindset, or overcome ingrained biases—is a profound and nearly universal human aspiration.

How to Train Your Brain for Calmer Thoughts

Have you ever noticed that when you’re worried, your thoughts can get stuck on a scary track, like a scratched record?

What Is a Thinking Habit, Anyway?

We often speak of habits in the context of physical action: brushing our teeth, taking a morning walk, or reaching for a phone upon waking.

How to Catch Your Brain Tricking You

Have you ever had one of those days where one small thing goes wrong, and suddenly your brain tells you that the whole day is ruined?

Why Our Brains Get Stuck on Negative Thoughts

Imagine telling a friend about a minor social blunder, only to have them replay the moment in their mind for days, dissecting every word.

Quick Tips

How does moving outside make a difference?

Moving outside gives you a double dose of calm. First, you get the good feelings from using your body. Then, you get the benefits of being in nature. Fresh air, sunlight, and looking at trees or the sky can naturally lift your mood. It’s a powerful way to distract yourself from worried thoughts. A walk in a park or even just sitting on a bench and taking deep breaths can make a big difference. It helps you feel connected to the world around you and less stuck inside your own head.

Are there any good gut foods I can drink?

Yes, two great options are kefir and kombucha. Kefir is a drinkable yogurt that is usually packed with even more types of good bacteria. Kombucha is a fizzy, fermented tea that also contains helpful microbes. Both are simple ways to give your gut a boost without having to eat a full meal. Just check the sugar content, as some versions can be high. A quick drink can be an easy step toward a happier, calmer gut.

What if I can’t think of a balanced thought in the moment?

If you’re too upset to think clearly, don’t force it. The first step is to calm your body down. Try taking a slow walk, splashing cold water on your face, or focusing on your breathing for a minute. Once the intense feeling has passed a little, then you can try to find a balanced thought. It’s much harder to think reasonably when you’re in a panic. Be kind to yourself—the goal is to manage the wave of anxiety first, and then work on the thoughts when you feel a bit safer and quieter.

How can I make my daily commute or a busy street feel less stressful?

A busy commute can feel like an attack on your senses. To take back control, create a small “bubble” of calm for yourself. You can do this by listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook that you enjoy. This gives your brain something positive to focus on instead of the noise and rush around you. If you’re walking, try to notice small, pleasant details, like the color of a flower or the feeling of the sun. This helps break the cycle of stressful thoughts.

What does “checking in with my body” even mean?

It simply means taking a quick moment to notice what’s happening inside you physically. Think of it like a quick scan from your head to your toes. You’re not trying to change anything or judge what you find. You’re just noticing. Is your stomach feeling tight? Are your shoulders up by your ears? Is your heart beating fast? Just naming these feelings to yourself is the first step. It helps you understand what’s going on before your feelings get too big and overwhelming.