744: Mind Games: Rewriting Stories That Fuel Anxiety
This week on Anxiety Slayer we‘re talking about the “fiction” our minds create that can spin us into anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. We discuss how easily our thoughts can shrink us, how catastrophizing steals our peace, and, most importantly, the compassionate ways we can begin to rewrite those stories.
Points covered in this episode:
When our minds send us straight into worst-case-scenario land, it can feel isolating to keep up appearances on the outside when there’s so much noise inside. It’s exhausting. One thing that really helps is remembering that we’re all doing our best, and we are not alone. Everyone, on occasion, experiences their mind racing off on frightening tangents.
Here’s what you can do to help rewrite the story:
Facing Mind Fiction: We talk about how the mind loves to conjure up worst-case scenarios, health fears, or social anxieties, making us feel small or incapable. But those stories aren’t facts.
The Power of Neutrality: Learn how responding to intrusive thoughts with neutral phrases such as “maybe,maybe not” or “we’ll see” or “Interesting point of view” can help lower their energy and loosen anxiety’s grip.
Setting Boundaries & Self-Compassion: From journaling about fears before a doctor’s appointment to giving yourself permission to leave early at social events, we explore practical tools for protecting your energy and honoring your limits.
Circle Up for Support: We encourage finding a circle or community where you feel safe sharing your struggles and learning from others’ coping strategies.
Gentle Reminders: Don’t believe everything you think. The mind isn’t always right—sometimes it needs to be firmly, but kindly, told to sit down and take a break.
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We hope this episode empowers you to rewrite the stories your mind tries to tell (and remember, it’s OK to laugh at the mind’s more dramatic narratives).
For more anxiety support, join us on our Patreon where you can get a deeper dive into some of the topics we cover as well as over 200 downloads, including all of our guided relaxations and Tapping Sessions. Learn more at https://www.patreon.com/anxietyslayer