Paying Attention to your Non-Goal-Directed Repetitive Thinking

Ruminations, obsessions, and worry, which are recurrent, uncontrollable thoughts not aimed at a specific outcome and are often associated with distress and can be part of conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). These thoughts are unwanted, intrusive, and often preoccupy the mind, making them hard to control. They can be distressing and trigger negative emotions like anxiety, fear, or disgust. Unlike constructive problem-solving, rumination involves dwelling on these thoughts without reaching a resolution. 

                You may spend many hours a day to figure out

-If you lost your chance in a job interview…

What if I am not likeable?....No, that’s ridiculous. Maybe my qualifications are outdated….the younger people are taking all jobs…I will never get a job…. maybe I was distracted….maybe I wore wrong clothes…etc

-if you are in a wrong relationship …

 I loved the movie but he hated it. What if that means we’re not right for each other?  people can like different things … but maybe it says something about our values … that’s silly, its just one movie … What if I’m just wasting my time? … etc.

What to do if you suffer from the above?

1.     Find a distraction: Hobbies, exercise, or connecting with others

2.     Practice mindfulness and deep breathing: A few times a day for a few minutes is known to enhance present moment awareness.

3.     Challenge your thoughts: Question their validity at the same time, consider alternatives

4.     Journal: Regularly writing can help gain clarity and identify triggers.

5.     Get professional help: a consultation with a mental health professional can help to gain the right perspective before it becomes a serious issue.