What is an effective way to break out of a thought cycle?!
Question: Where you can go back to the same way of thinking, or a better way of thinking? I'd appreciate it.
Answers: Where you can go back to the same way of thinking, or a better way of thinking? I'd appreciate it.
Focus on positive goals and doing what you need to do to get there. Stay away from negative people. Or, if you can't, let them know that you are not going to get tied up in that because it doesn't help you, in fact it makes it worse. Set a goal (write it down), and then write down all the steps needed to get there. Take a step at a time. You'll get there.
I say "Stop." I used to literally have to say the word (which confused people if I happened to be in public) but now I can just think it. Try googling "Thought stopping" and you may get some good advice. In some cases they say to start thinking the thoughts then use a recorder that says "Stop" when you are starting out, then go to just saying the word. I never went that far.
It's easy to get caught up in thoughts, especially at bedtime. I try to exhaust myself so when my head hits the pillow I'm out. Usually I'm trying to write as I fall asleep and don't get very far. Distraction is a good way to keep the recurring thoughts away if thought stopping doesn't do the trick right away.
You are asking advice on something that plagues people of all ages and races and socio-economic places.
I have spent my whole life to control my brain, but heck, it just won't listen to my smart, intellectual side that knows better.
So, what to do? Anything that makes you happy at all; and branch out. Do things you normally wouldn't do: whether it's walking, biking, shooting hoops, learning a game on the internet, writing, downloading different music, buying new clothes, almost ANYTHING will help you get out of a thinking rut. It's SO HARD, but essential to your well-being.
We all do this, regardless of age. The fact is, I'm 47 years old and a woman, about as far from you as possible in the stage of my life, and I struggle with it everyday.
Maturity will help you, but it will always be a challenge. Most people step up to the challenge and find an interest. Surpass all those years of wasted energy and try and do it now: find something (anything) that will distract you.
Physical stimulus is a method that works for many.
Try wearing a rubber band around your wrist and when you are faced with this 'thought' pattern, snap the rubber band as hard as you can tolerate. This sends a message to the brain that this thought process or habit or whatever is painfull and MUST be avoided. The body will respond and eventually the mind will follow
Good luck, hope this helps.