Anxious Thoughts

Are your anxious thoughts robbing your peace of mind? 

Most anxious and depressive thoughts are literally toxic to our brains, bodies, and relationships. Try this easy and effective exercise next time you feel anxious…

A cascade of bio-chemicals gets released into our systems and we are stuck with the thoughts! When the thought occurs, find a safe, quiet place and visualize a big red STOP sign in your mind mentally and/or say out loud, “stop it. Dwelling on this is poison to my mind and body.”

Visualize three doors. Each door is a different way you can choose to deal with this provoking thought. Choose one. Do it now or later. If the thought comes back, visualize the STOP sign and begin again.

Here’s an example: 

Anxious thought: “I will never catch up at work. I’m so far behind. I am overwhelmed.”

STOP sign up: (The toxic thought won’t change reality anyway)

Three Doors of possible solutions

Door 1 - I need to just call a friend and download

Door 2 - I can ask for help at work

Door 3 - I can let my boss know I want to be productive and would like to review priorities and my job description to make sure needs and timelines are clarified so that we are on the same page.

Choose your door. Your anxiety will be relieved and your mind and body will be at ease!

— Dr. Brent Gray, Ph.D., L.M.H.C.