Noises In Your Head

Right now, what are you thinking? Yes, you are reading these words, but for some of you, dozens of thoughts are swirling around in your head even as you are reading this column. Your thoughts become more rapid and intense when you lay down at night to go to sleep. You cannot shut off your brain. Thoughts control your behavior and response to situations. Anxiety is escalated with all these ideas and perceptions that grow and spin around in your head. All these thoughts can be exhausting and overwhelming.

Most of these thoughts are not rational but are created out of fear and worry. Logically, you know that nothing good comes from worry, but your thoughts are chaotic without focus or understanding. Worry divides the mind. It splits your thoughts between today and the future, so it becomes difficult to live fully in the present moment and not be controlled by your intruding thoughts.

Thoughts. Your brain was created to think, process, and evaluate these thoughts, but sometimes the brain gets stuck and ruminates on certain thoughts. You feel like your thoughts are on a merry-go-round and you dwell on these repetitive ideas. You can get lost in a thought and go down a path that is negative and destructive. Your thoughts create worry, anxiety, and fear without cause or reason. Anxiety is created as you attempt to control each thought.

Thought blocking or capturing the thought is the goal. One way is to begin a random thought journal and write down these fragments that are controlling your head. When you name them and make them real, you become aware of where your mind goes and what you are worrying about. Then ask yourself, “Can I do anything about the situation? Does worry help?” Begin to use self-talk/God talk to release the thought. Then when the thought comes to your mind again, remind yourself you have released the thought, and it no longer has control over you. You just captured the thought and its control. You have put a boundary and are not letting the thought live rent free in your head space anymore.

Ask yourself, “Does the thought contradict my values, principles, or faith?” If it does, speak against the thought. Say no to having the thought even in your head. Capture it and put a roadblock in your head so that you are not traveling down that road again. Then focus on what is around you. Use your coping skills to change your focus and thought pattern. Think of good things in front of you. Pray and give it to God. Change directions in your head to the truth and what is good.

When your brain will not slow down all these thoughts, try focusing on something in front of you. Complete a task, begin singing a praise song, recite a scripture, breathe in and out slowly, go outside and look up, change your environment and focus. Do not give the negative thoughts power. Begin to focus on what is good and positive and not allow the negativity to deplete your energy and joy.

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different