Outsmart Your Next Stress Spiral

Where are you right now?
When’s the last time you fully showed up to the now?
We’re happiest when we live in the moment, no matter what we’re doing or what we’re working on. When our minds wonder toward the past or the future, we often end up ruminating (Thinking deeply about something). Rumination differs from healthy reflection, when we analyze specific elements of a problem to better understand it. Luckily, we can bring our mind back to being present, stop ruminating, and outsmart our stress.

Here’s 2 simple strategies to being more present: 🧠🌱
1. Noticing the 3P’s
- Personalization: Thinking that the situation is all your fault
- Pervasiveness: Thinking that the situation is going to ruin every aspect of your life
- Permanence: Thinking you are going to feel like this (e.g., bad) forever

Don’t give the P’s a chance! If you find yourself pessimistically obsessing, reframe your thoughts. 
2. Separate the ‘Withins’ From the ‘Beyonds’
- Our stress can pull us from the present and throw us into a rumination spiral. It's helpful to know that stressors fall into two categories: those you can do something about (the withins) and those beyond your control (the beyonds). When you’re not feeling present, notice which of your stressors might have you hooked.

Remember our thoughts are simply that: thoughts. Acknowledge them, but recognize they are not inevitable truths (even if they feel true).