logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
17m 53s

78 — How to Stop Ruminating On Negative ...

Amy Morin
About this episode

Do you find the more you try to stop thinking about something unpleasant, the more those unwanted thoughts keep popping up in your brain? Whether you're trying to quit thinking about an ex after your breakup, or you want to quit rehashing that conversation that didn't go well earlier in the day, it's hard to get your brain to stop thinking about something.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to stop ruminating and deal with intrusive thoughts. Today, I share how to change the channel in your brain so you can focus on more pleasant things. When you do, you'll feel better.


Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get exclusive bonus episodes, access to the Mentally Stronger community, and answers to your questions about mental strength!


Connect with the Show

Buy Amy's books on mental strength

Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor

Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com

Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do


Offers From Our Sponsors

BetterHelp — Visit BetterHelp.com/mentallystrong today to get 10% off your first month!

Babbel — Get 50% off on a one-time payment for a lifetime Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/STRONGER

Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Mar 2024
87 — Memory and Mental Health: How Your Emotions Impact What You Remember with Dr. Charan Ranganath
Your memory and your mental health form a two-way street. Remembering only negative things can worsen your mental health. But poor mental health can also cause your brain to only focus on negative memories.Learning more about how your mind filters your memories could help you bui ... Show More
53m 3s
Mar 2024
86 — The 6 Stages of Change: How to Transform Your Life
Whether you want to change an eating habit, or you're trying to change a relationship, there's a series of stages you're going to go through along the way. The stages don't necessarily happen in a nice, neat order, however. Progress rarely comes in a straight line.Understanding t ... Show More
22m 51s
Feb 2024
85 — Trauma Bonds, Healing, and Rebuilding with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
Narcissists and psychopaths are just a few examples of "pathological lovers." Their charm often lures people in and their partners often develop what's known as "trauma bonds." They're tough to escape, but once you do, the healing can begin.No one knows this better than Dr. Nadin ... Show More
45 m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 8
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
48m 22s
Jul 7
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
51m 55s
May 8
How to Stop Negative Thoughts & Reset Your Mind for Positive Thinking
In today’s episode, you are getting a step-by-step guide on how to change your mindset, stop negative thoughts, and make your mind work for you. What if the voice in your head — the one that criticizes, spirals, and second-guesses everything — could actually help you? In this pow ... Show More
1h 21m
Jul 10
You Can Change Your Brain: Neuroscientist Explains How to Rewire Your Mind & Stop Negative Thoughts
After listening to this episode, your brain will not be the same. In this episode, you’ll learn how to stop negative thoughts, heal from past trauma, and reset your mind for peace, focus, and resilience. Today, neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf is here to share her evidence-based, ... Show More
1h 13m
Jul 2021
20/30 Intrusive Thoughts and Overthinking: The Skill of Cognitive Defusion: How to Process Your Emotions
Ready to change your life? Buy the full, ad-free Emotion Processing course now for only $147: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/emotion-processing?utm_campaign=Jul%2002,%202021&utm_medium=Description&utm_source=podcast   We swim through our thoughts like a fish swims through ... Show More
18m 43s
May 23
Do THIS to Stop Spiraling (7 Steps to Instantly Break the Cycle of Negative Thoughts)
What’s been on your mind today? Do you ever catch yourself spiraling with negative thoughts? Today, Jay dives into the everyday negative thoughts we all wrestle with—and how we can stop letting them control us. Whether it's replaying awkward moments, spiraling into self-doubt, or ... Show More
28m 22s
May 19
How to Stop Fighting Intrusive or Negative Thoughts-Passengers on a Bus Exercise from ACT
Learn to Regulate your Emotions: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Intrusive Thoughts, Overthinking, ACT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Passengers on the Bus, Negative Thoughts Have you ever felt like your negative thoughts are running the show? Like no matte ... Show More
14m 57s
Jun 2024
234 - How To Stop Thinking About Food
In this episode, Maggie discusses how constantly thinking about food and wishing those thoughts would stop actually makes the problem worse. She explains that the more attention and emphasis we put on these food-related thoughts, the more we amplify them. Instead of fighting or t ... Show More
22m 22s
Jan 2025
Ep. 122 How To Get Rid of Self Doubt & Achieve Your Dreams With Maya Raichoora
We’ve done rebranding (planning for 2025), we’ve done discipline (actually sticking to your routine), and so the third and final part of the new year mini series is all about getting yourself in the right mental state to be able to achieve those new shiny goals you set for yourse ... Show More
57m 30s
Aug 2024
Why your brain is wired for negative thoughts and how to change it!
Ever wonder why your brain seems wired to focus on the bad stuff? Well, it’s not your fault—it’s an ancient survival mechanism that our ancestors passed down to us. But don’t worry, we’re not stuck with it!We’ll chat about how this negativity bias influences everything from your ... Show More
21m 53s