Have you ever thought about how messed up our thoughts can be? One of the most intriguing ideas I have recently encountered is how someone’s thoughts can be completely legitimate inside their head, but once they get written down or shared with others, they can transform into complete garbage.
When a thought is inside our head, we can believe it is completely legitimate. If we take a moment and write it down or tell someone about it, it changes. The interesting thing here to note is that nothing has changed about the idea. The only thing that changed is our view or perspective of the idea. Hopefully, this helps demonstrate the power of exercises that help us process our thoughts.
One of the exercises the Overflow Community did this past week was identifying three cognitive distortions we struggle with. We then discussed different aspects of these distortions to help us see the subtle truth in the lie and distinguish it from the lie we believe. This process is powerful! It helped me see something I hadn’t seen before.
So what? Why does this matter?
If you are anything like me, you are tired of being a prisoner to your thoughts. You are tired of the same old, same old, feeling helpless and hopeless. Maybe you have discovered that medicine helps but is not enough to address your brain health challenges. While I am not a therapist, I do know that healing in my life has come through many layers.
Early in my journey, I thought that if I could find the right medicine, I would be back to my old self. Then, when I found a medicine that worked, it didn’t solve everything. After several similar scenarios, I saw that recovery happens in layers. One of the most impactful ways to improve your brain health is by changing your thoughts.
What is your next step?
- Go through the application exercise on cognitive distortions.
- Share your answers to the cognitive distortion exercise with someone you trust.
- Join in on the Overflow Community Group.
If you would like to go through this exercise, you can find it posted in the discussion space within the Overflow Community. Not a member of the community? Tap the button below to receive an invitation.
