Shadows within: 3 psychological habits that make us unhappy
Assumptions, excessive thinking, or, on the contrary, confused thoughts that keep you up at night? Why do we have the power to occupy our minds all the time, even at times when they should be resting, literally shutting down and starting anew the next day with a clean slate?
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery often involves confronting the dark corners of our minds. As I navigated the labyrinth of my psyche, I encountered and defined three psychological habits that cast a shadow over my happiness.
In this article, I share my personal experiences with these habits and hope that my reflections will resonate with those facing similar struggles...
1. Catastrophic anxiety
My experience lies in disasters, which have a special art - the skill of turning the smallest setbacks into great tragedies. One day a minor disagreement with my husband sent my mind into a whirlwind of catastrophic scenarios. Suddenly, our entire bond seemed on the verge of collapse. The intensity of my emotions was out of proportion to the situation, yet I could not escape the clutches of my exaggerated thoughts.
What were the feelings it evoked?
The weight of constant catastrophizing was emotionally draining. It felt like I was carrying the burden of a thousand worst-case scenarios, each more emotionally challenging than the last.
Breaking this habit required a conscious effort to question the validity of these catastrophic thoughts and reframe situations with a more balanced perspective.
2. Comparative trap - the silent thief of joy
My experiences on social media have become a breeding ground for my tendency to comparison trap. As I scrolled through selected samples of friends and acquaintances, I found myself comparing my worth to their seemingly perfect lives.
Each vacation photo, job promotion announcement, or relationship milestone evoked a sense of inadequacy as if my accomplishments paled in comparison.
How did that make me feel?
The comparison trap fueled a deep sense of dissatisfaction and self-doubt. It felt like I was in a perpetual race, trying to catch up to an unattainable standard set by others.
The realization that these comparisons were robbing me of the joy of my journey became a turning point. Embracing gratitude for my unique journey allowed me to appreciate my accomplishments without diminishing their value.
3. Overthinking - a mind in constant confusion
My experience in overthinking has turned my mind into a battlefield of constant thoughts. Simple interactions became complex puzzles, with every word and gesture being analyzed and reanalyzed.
The mental noise drowned out moments of calm and left me trapped in a cycle of overactive thoughts that often led to indecision and anxiety.
What did this feel like?
Thinking felt like a prison for my mind - a place where clarity was a distant memory. Liberation required a commitment to mindfulness and cultivating techniques to quiet the mental chatter.
Learning to be present became my anchor, providing comfort from the storm of overthinking.
Sharing these intimate reflections is both cathartic and, I hope, engaging for those who struggle with similar psychological habits.
Acknowledging these patterns and their impact on our well-being is the first step toward liberation.
Through self-compassion, mindfulness, and commitment to positive change, we can move through the shadows within and cultivate a truer and more lasting sense of happiness.
What do you use to calm your thoughts so you don't get mentally tired?
I look forward to your comments...
