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Jul 2025
48m 22s

311. How to stop ruminating

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About this episode

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. In today's episode, we break down the psychology of rumination: why our minds get stuck in these unhelpful thought cycles, and how we can actively disengage to find mental clarity.

Things we discuss:

  • What rumination truly is and what it isn't
  • The distinctions between everyday rumination and OCD
  • Metacognition: thinking about our thinking
  • Cognitive diffusion and detaching from thoughts
  • Using mindfulness and grounding techniques to anchor yourself in the present
  • Taking back your attention from thought spirals

If you’re tired of your mind rerunning your “best and worst” moments, this episode is for you.

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 
 
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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