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We all encounter problems in our life, whether they are big or small. Do you ever find yourself running a problem or difficulty over and over in your head? I certainly do, and it makes me feel worried and panicky. The more I think about the problem, the worse it seems. I find myself dwelling on all the things that are wrong in my life and visualising all the possible bad outcomes from the problem.
Related post: Stop ‘Thinking About Thinking’
Think about solutions
It’s good to acknowledge our problems, but running them over and over in our head is not great for our mental health. Instead, I recommend thinking about solutions!
Think about realistic ways in which you could solve the problem, whether it’s an immediate fix or something that could help you take steps towards solving it. For example, you might decide to take part in a home detox programme to move towards a healthier life. You could also think about possible advantages that could come from the problem as well as things you could learn from it.
When I use this approach, my mood generally lifts and I feel more hopeful about the outcome. I feel more positive, empowered and in control of the situation. Yes, I acknowledge that I have a problem, but I also have a plan of action so I feel better about it. I see myself more as being on a journey of improvement rather than stuck in a bad place.
Related post: Grateful, Proud and Always Learning
Reframe your thinking
So, next time you catch yourself ruminating on a problem, try reframing your thinking to focus on solutions instead. Hopefully, this will improve your mood and make you feel calmer!
Do you tend to run problems over and over in your head? Do you think you could benefit from thinking about solutions instead? Let me know in the comments!
Good blog very useful
Thanks
I’m glad you found it useful! 🙂
This is a really helpful post. Running problems or difficulties over in your head is not good for your mental health, I agree. I get myself so worked up some times. Thank you for sharing this post.
I’m so glad you found this helpful!
That’s a good way to reframe your thinking. We don’t have the power to change anyone else around us or the situations that we have to face – but we do have the power to decide how we are going to respond to it. Rather than wallowing in self-pity when we face something challenging, why not focus on the solution and propel yourself forward towards success?
It’s so true! Focusing on the solution is so much more productive than wallowing in self-pity.
Such an interesting post. I am guilty of going down the disaster route straight away but this post has got me thinking about my own mindset!
Rosie
I’m glad that you found this interesting and I hope it helps you next time you are in disaster mode!
This is such wonderful advice. I will try to reframe my thinking and definitely in 2021 where I have a ton of goals in mind!
I’m so glad you liked this advice, I hope it helps you in 2021, good luck with your goals!
Good post on how to approach problems. As an engineer, I thoroughly enjoy problems. The process of developing a solution is the best part of it all.
I like to think of it as shifting mental gears to think of a solution. Something similar to the book “Thinking Fast and Slow.”
Good reminder reading this!
I’m glad you enjoyed this post! ‘Shifting mental gears’ is a good way of putting it. I haven’t heard of that book, I need to check it out!