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Doomscrolling: Why You Keep Doing It (And How to Stop)

Have you ever picked up your phone for “just a minute”… and lost 30?

You tell yourself you’ll only check your phone for a second.

Maybe it’s between patients, during a quick break, or while you’re unwinding after a long shift. But before you know it, you’ve scrolled through three news stories, a dozen social media posts, and a random article about a celebrity’s latest Grammy drama.

And somehow, instead of feeling better, you feel even more drained.

Sound familiar?

Why We Doomscroll (Even When We Know Better)

Doomscrolling isn’t just a bad habit—it’s how our brains respond to stress, exhaustion, and mental overload.

  • You’re looking for a quick break – After hours of high-pressure decision-making, your brain craves easy distractions.
  • You’re trying to decompress – A tough patient, a difficult conversation, or pure exhaustion can leave you reaching for mindless scrolling as a way to “shut off.”
  • It’s just there – Your phone is usually within reach, making it the easiest, fastest way to fill time in your day.

But here’s the thing: doomscrolling isn’t actually restful. It’s numbing. And numbing isn’t the same as recharging.

How to Stop Doomscrolling (Even When You’re Tired)

The good news? You don’t need superhuman willpower to break the cycle. Small, practical changes make a big difference.

1. Set a Hard Stop

Decide in advance when you’ll put your phone down. Try setting a timer for five minutes and then switching to something else when it goes off. (Yes, even if you’re mid-scroll.) Pro tip: the more your brain realizes you do what you say you will do, the easier it becomes.

2. Replace the Habit

Your brain needs an alternative. If you usually grab your phone as a default, try something else that actually helps you unwind—listening to music, stretching, closing your eyes for a minute, or even doodling.

3. Move Away from the Scroll Zone

Make doomscrolling less automatic. Put your phone in another room, tuck it in your bag, or flip it over so you don’t see notifications calling to you.

4. Ask Yourself: “What Am I Looking For?”

Most of the time, doomscrolling is a way to avoid something—boredom, stress, or an uncomfortable emotion. If you can name what you’re avoiding, you can decide if that avoidance actually serves you—or if it’s keeping you stuck.

5. Create a No-Scroll Zone

Choose one time of day to be completely phone-free. Maybe it’s while eating, winding down before bed, or during your shift breaks. Protect that space.

Try This Today

The next time you catch yourself reaching for your phone, pause and ask: What am I looking for?

If it’s boredom, stress relief, or distraction, try choosing something that actually helps you recharge.

Because when you stop doomscrolling, you gain back more than just time.

You feel more present in your own life.
You create space for things that actually restore you.
You end your day feeling more refreshed instead of drained.

And that is how you start creating and living a life you love—one small choice at a time.

If breaking this habit feels easier said than done, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Coaching can help you take back your time, energy, and focus—so you can build the life you actually want.

Logan Health Employees: As part of your benefits, you get free coaching sessions. You can book yours here.

Not a Logan Health employee? Let’s talk. Book a complimentary consultation here and start creating a life you love.

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Wintering Well: A Guide to Finding Warmth in the Cold

Winter is here, and if you’re anything like me, the shorter days and colder nights can feel heavy. It’s easy to find ourselves in a cycle of counting down until spring, waiting for the “hard” season to pass.

But what if winter didn’t have to be a season we merely endure? What if it could become a time to rest, reset, and even grow?

That’s the heart of Wintering Well — not fighting the season but learning to work with it.

The Pull to Hibernate

When winter comes, so often our instincts tell us to slow down, stay inside, and do less. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need! But there’s a difference between resting to recharge and shutting down completely.

Have you ever found yourself:

  • Feeling stuck in a rut but unsure how to pull yourself out?
  • Battling guilt for not being as “productive” as you think you should be?
  • Feeling overwhelmed, even though your calendar says you should have more time?

You’re not alone. Winter seems to amplify these feelings for so many of us.

Reframing the Season

Instead of seeing winter as something to survive, we can choose to view it as an opportunity. A time to pause, reflect, and take care of the parts of ourselves that often get overlooked in busier seasons.

Wintering Well doesn’t mean pretending the challenges of the season don’t exist. It means finding new ways to meet those challenges. It means asking yourself:

  • What do I actually need this season?
  • Where can I give myself more grace and flexibility?
  • How can I use this time to prepare for what I want next?

It’s about designing a season of intentionality rather than defaulting to survival mode.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re ready to start Wintering Well today, here are two simple steps to get you started:

  1. Create a Daily Check-In: Take five minutes each morning to ask yourself, “What do I need today?” Whether it’s rest, connection, or a small win, setting this intention can help you navigate your day with purpose.
  2. Plan for Joy: Add one thing to your calendar this week that you genuinely look forward to. It could be a cozy evening with a book, a walk in the snow, or a phone call with a friend. Joy doesn’t have to be grandiose — it just has to be something you do.

A Taste of Wintering Well

Imagine:

  • Waking up on a frosty morning and feeling calm rather than rushed.
  • Having time set aside for reflection and planning, even in the thick of life.
  • Finding joy in the quiet moments and building habits that support your bigger dreams.

This is what Wintering Well is all about — giving yourself permission to create space for what truly matters, without feeling like you’re falling behind.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

If this resonates, I’d love to invite you to my Wintering Well workshop. It’s designed to help you:

  • Understand how winter impacts your mindset and energy.
  • Learn practical tools to create a season that works for you.
  • Set yourself up for success not just this winter, but all year long.

Because winter isn’t just a season to get through — it’s a chance to grow, rest, and reconnect with what matters most.

Join the Wintering Well Workshop Here and let’s make this winter one you look back on with gratitude, not exhaustion.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

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The Last Day of 2024: Setting the Stage for an Extraordinary 2025

It’s the last day of 2024.

And before the ball drops, I want you to take a moment to celebrate something.

Maybe it’s something big—like a career milestone, a relationship you strengthened, or a goal you crushed.

Or maybe it’s the quiet, everyday wins—like showing up on a hard day, finding joy in unexpected moments, or simply making it through when things felt tough.

Because no matter what this year looked like, you’ve made it. And that’s worth celebrating.

Now, let’s talk about what’s ahead.

What Do You Want More of in 2025?

The beauty of a new year is the blank slate it offers.

It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and dream about what’s possible.

So ask yourself:

  • What do I want more of in my life?
  • What would make me excited to get out of bed each morning?
  • How do I want to feel at the end of next year?

Maybe it’s more time for the people you love.
More confidence in the choices you’re making.
More excitement, energy, and joy in your everyday life.

The best part? You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.

You just have to decide you’re ready to take the first step.

Designing Your Extraordinary Life

Creating an extraordinary life doesn’t mean changing everything overnight.

It’s about small, intentional shifts that lead to big results.

  • Learning how to manage your thoughts so they work for you, not against you.
  • Building habits that align with the person you want to become.
  • And giving yourself permission to dream about what’s possible—and go after it.

This time next year, you could look back on 2025 as the year everything started to change.

Not because you were lucky or the stars aligned—but because you decided you were worth investing in.

Ready to Make It Happen?

I’d love to help you make 2025 your most extraordinary year yet.

Book a complimentary consultation, and let’s create a plan to get you there.

We’ll talk about what’s possible for your life, the steps to take, and how you can feel better and happier—without waiting for “someday.”

Let’s start this next chapter with excitement, confidence, and a plan.

Here’s to 2025 and everything it holds for you!

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

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How to Create the Holiday Experience You Actually Want

What if you could decide RIGHT NOW how you want to feel this holiday season?

Not how you think you should feel or how you’ve always felt in the past—but exactly how YOU want to feel.

For healthcare workers, the holidays can feel like a blur. Long shifts, missed family gatherings, and the weight of taking care of everyone else can leave you feeling drained before you’ve even started. Add in the pressure to make everything perfect at home, and it’s no wonder the holiday spirit feels out of reach.

But here’s the truth: those holiday feelings we’re chasing—whether it’s joy, connection, or calm—don’t just happen by chance. We create them.

That means you have the power to create the exact holiday experience you want this year—even if you’re juggling shifts or navigating a packed schedule. Here’s how:

Step 1: Decide How You Want to Feel

Take a moment to think about the feeling you want to create this holiday season. Forget about the to-do list or the expectations. Close your eyes and imagine:

✨ Do you want to feel calm and cozy?
✨ Excited and joyful?
✨ Connected and full of love?

It might help to picture yourself at the end of the holiday season. How do you want to look back and feel about the time you spent? Be specific. Choosing the feeling you want is the first step to making it happen.

Step 2: Focus on What Creates That Feeling

Now that you know how you want to feel, it’s time to take action. The key here is to focus on what creates that feeling for YOU—not what Instagram says or what your family expects.

Here are some examples:

  • Calm and Cozy: Slow things down when you’re off the clock. Say no to commitments that feel more like obligations. Light a candle, grab your favorite blanket, and watch that holiday movie you love. Let it be simple.
  • Excited and Joyful: Crank up the holiday music and dance around your kitchen after a long shift. Plan something fun just for YOU—like a morning walk to see holiday lights or a drive-through coffee treat before work. Joy often comes from the little things we let ourselves enjoy.
  • Connected and Full of Love: Reach out to people who matter to you in small but meaningful ways. Write a quick note to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or plan a video call with loved ones if you’re working during the holidays. It’s about small, intentional moments.

The magic happens when you intentionally align your actions with the feeling you want to create.

Step 3: Shift Your Focus When You Get Off Track

Even with the best intentions, the holidays can throw curveballs. A patient crisis, family drama, or your own perfectionism might try to derail your good vibes.

This is where your focus becomes your superpower. Instead of spiraling into frustration, gently ask yourself: “What can I focus on right now to create [insert your feeling]?”

For example:

  • If a coworker’s attitude frustrates you during your shift, refocus on gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
  • If family drama threatens your peace, remind yourself of the joy you can create in the small moments—like sharing a laugh with your kids or savoring a quiet cup of tea.
  • If the holiday chaos feels overwhelming, ask, “What’s one thing I can do right now to feel calm?”

Redirecting your focus is like resetting the holiday playlist in your mind. You can’t control everything, but you CAN control where your attention goes.

Step 4: Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy

So often, we hold ourselves back from enjoying the holidays because we feel like we haven’t done enough. Maybe you didn’t bake those cookies from scratch or finish every gift perfectly wrapped. But the holidays aren’t a test.

Give yourself permission to soak up the moments that matter. Let go of what doesn’t. 

Remember, you’re not chasing perfection—you’re choosing presence.

For nurses and healthcare workers, this might mean embracing unconventional celebrations. Maybe your family’s holiday dinner is takeout on your lunch break—and that’s okay. Joy doesn’t come from the details; it comes from the intention.

What Will Your Holiday Feel Like?

This holiday season doesn’t have to be like every other year. You don’t have to wait for the perfect circumstances to feel the way you want to feel.

You can decide, right now, what you want to feel—and create that feeling on demand. By focusing on what matters, choosing intentional actions, and giving yourself permission to enjoy, you can design a holiday that feels like magic.

So, what feeling do YOU want to create this holiday season?

Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, let’s talk. Coaching can help you figure out exactly how to create the holiday experience you’ve been dreaming of—without the stress or overwhelm.

Book a complimentary consultation today, and let’s design the life you love, one intentional step at a time.

Don’t let another holiday pass you by. Let’s create something extraordinary together—starting now.

As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. 

Book a Logan Health Employee Coaching Session Here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me.

Book a Complimentary Consultation Here

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One Sentence

When I heard Gretchen Rubin’s term “midlife malaise,” it hit me like a ton of bricks—that was me. I had been lost in my own life, just drifting along, not fully engaged in living. I was constantly wondering, Is this it? Is this all there is to life?

I knew something was missing, but I had no idea how to figure out what it was.
I knew something was off, but I didn’t know how to make it right.
I wanted to be happier, to enjoy my life, to be a better wife and stepmom, but how?

Then one day, I stumbled across a quote in Real Simple magazine. It said, “What’s the goal of your life? For me, it’s to make the people I love happy and have a good time with them.”

And I thought, That’s it. That’s what I want—to live with joy, with purpose, to actually feel alive in my own life. But then that question crept back in: how?

Maybe some people are just born knowing how to live that way.
Maybe I wasn’t wired for it.
Maybe I’d missed my chance.

If this sounds familiar, let me tell you: one sentence can change your life.

For me, that sentence was: “I know exactly what to do here.”

That simple phrase helped me break free from the endless cycle of “but how?” and start believing I already had the answers. Every time I repeated it, my brain shifted from feeling stuck to offering solutions. Suddenly, ideas came to me—small actions I could take to move forward. And each time I took action, I created proof that, yes, I did know how.

Instead of feeling frustrated, hopeless, and lost, I began creating real, meaningful change in my life.

That one sentence transformed everything. It helped me stop seeking and start creating the life I’d been longing for.

So, if you’re ready to stop searching and start creating an extraordinary life, let me help you. You can get through the hard things, and you can feel fully present and engaged in your life.

Life’s too short to spend it just getting by. It’s time to start creating the extraordinary life you deserve—and I can show you how.

Are you ready to find your one sentence?

As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

Book a LOGAN HEALTH EMPLOYEE Life Coaching Session Here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

Book a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION Here

The LAST Free Monthly Masterclass f 2024 is on December 11, How to Abstain from over eating, over drinking, over scrolling, etc. You can see more info & register here. I hope to see you there!

HOW TO ABSTAIN MASTERCLASS

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

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How to Live an Extraordinary Life (Yes, Even with Your Busy Schedule)

Does the idea of living an extraordinary life feel out of reach when you’re buried in work and the endless demands of healthcare? You’re not alone if it does. But here’s a little secret: an extraordinary life is not only possible—it’s closer than you think. There’s a process to get there, one step at a time, and it starts with learning how to manage your mind.

Managing your mind is all about how you handle stress, make tough choices, and feel confident about those decisions without second-guessing. It’s not a personality trait or something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can develop. And it’s this skill that can help you live life on your own terms, even within the intense world of healthcare.

Imagine going into each day feeling clear, confident, and ready for whatever comes your way. It’s more than just surviving the day-to-day—it’s a way of actively designing a life you love, even on the busiest days.

So, how can you get started with managing your mind? Here’s one powerful step:

Notice the Little Wins  

When you finish a difficult shift or handle a challenging patient with care and patience, recognize that as a win. Confidence doesn’t come in a flash; it’s built gradually, one brick at a time, through moments like these. Acknowledging these small victories builds your resilience and reminds you that you *are* in control.

By making a habit of celebrating these everyday successes, you’ll find yourself feeling more confident and at ease with life’s demands. It might feel small, but the benefits add up. And over time, this mental clarity and confidence become the foundation for a life you love—one you’re designing, not just letting happen.

Living an extraordinary life in healthcare isn’t about changing careers or dropping all your commitments. It’s about taking ownership of your mindset, finding clarity, and building confidence that sticks.

Ready to explore this further?  

Join me on November 13 for an online masterclass on Boundaries, where we’ll dive into strategies to build a life that fits you. Or, if you’re ready to take a deeper dive, stay tuned for a special offer designed to set you up for your best year yet. (Let me know if you want to be one of the first to know.)

Let’s make an extraordinary life your reality. Registration is required, click the link below to sign up.

SIGN UP: ALL ABOUT BOUNDARIES MASTERCLASS

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session

SIGN UP: COACHING SESSION

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From Overwhelmed to Organized

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by paperwork or endless to-do lists, you’re not alone. In healthcare, staying organized can feel impossible.

Early in my career as a nurse manager, I found myself buried in piles. Sticky notes, papers, and random notes covered my desk, with no clear system for organizing them. Despite taking detailed notes during meetings, they would end up in the same chaotic stacks. I wasted time searching for what I needed, felt constantly behind, and my stress levels steadily increased.

One particularly chaotic week pushed me to my breaking point. I knew I couldn’t continue this way and had to find a better system. That’s when I came across David Allen’s Getting Things Done. I read it over a weekend and immediately felt inspired to take action. The following Monday—on my day off—I went into the office and completely overhauled everything. I sorted papers, created systems, and organized my tasks in a way that finally made sense.

The results were almost immediate. Once I implemented these strategies, everything changed. I stopped wasting time searching for documents and felt a newfound sense of control that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. My stress decreased, my productivity improved, and I could finally focus on what mattered most.

This experience taught me that everyone needs a system that works for them. The key is to start small by addressing the areas that cause the most stress. Develop a routine for reviewing tasks, and use tools that support your workflow.

Working in healthcare, chaos often feels unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Small, intentional changes in how you organize your work can make a huge difference in how you feel and how productive you are.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s a way through—and I can help. I coach healthcare professionals to find clarity, reduce stress, and create systems that truly work. Send me a message or book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation, and let’s get you back on track.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

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Time Management Starts with Knowing What’s Truly Important

You’re used to managing chaos. Emergencies, unexpected changes in patient needs, and shifting priorities come with the territory. But here’s something you may not realize: one of the keys to better time management is clarifying what truly matters.

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, it’s easy to feel like every task is urgent. You’re constantly pulled between patient care, documentation, team communication, and the small details that can eat up your time. What often happens is that the most important tasks—the ones that truly make a difference in patient outcomes and your job satisfaction—get buried under everything else.

Here’s the truth: good time management isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most. That starts with getting clear on your priorities, and here’s how you can start:

1. Define Your Non-Negotiables  

Not every task is equally important. Think about your day-to-day: what tasks must get done no matter what? These might be critical patient assessments, medication administration, or even checking in with your team. Identify 2-3 tasks that are truly non-negotiable each day. Let these be the anchor points for your time.

2. Use Microblocks of Time  

Healthcare shifts rarely go as planned. Between patient emergencies and last-minute changes, the day can feel unpredictable. Instead of fighting this reality, work with it. Break your tasks into smaller “micro blocks” of time. Even 5-10 minutes can be used productively—whether it’s catching up on charting, prepping for the next patient, or organizing supplies. Use these short bursts of time to knock out smaller tasks instead of waiting for a big chunk of time that may never come.

3. Say ‘No’ with Confidence  

One of the hardest things for healthcare workers is setting boundaries. When a colleague asks for help, or your manager assigns an extra task, it’s tempting to say yes. But saying yes to everything often means saying no to your own priorities. Practice saying no when a task doesn’t align with your core responsibilities. This isn’t about being difficult—it’s about protecting your time so you can focus on what really matters.

4. Batch Similar Tasks Together  

The constant back-and-forth between different types of tasks—like patient care, charting, and meetings—can cause mental fatigue and slow you down. Instead, try batching similar tasks together. For example, dedicate a block of time to complete all your charting at once instead of doing it between every patient. You’ll find that staying in one mode of thinking can help you get through your tasks more efficiently and with less stress.

5. Prioritize Breaks for Mental Clarity  

It’s easy to skip breaks when you’re busy, but this can actually hurt your productivity. Taking short breaks helps reset your mind and can make you more effective when you return to work. Prioritize short, regular breaks to boost your mental clarity. Even five minutes to step away, take a deep breath, or hydrate can make a huge difference in your ability to stay focused and efficient.

By incorporating these small yet powerful shifts into your daily routine, you’ll start to see improvements in how you manage your time and energy. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be intentional. Time management is about using the time you *do* have more wisely—so you can provide better care to your patients and experience more peace during your shift.

PS: Ready to take control of your time and reduce stress? Sign up for my (FREE) masterclass on How to Manage Your Time. You’ll learn practical strategies to regain control of your day without burning out. Click here to register! (Zoom link will be shared upon registration.)

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

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life is 50/50

We often find ourselves striving for perfection, aiming to create an environment where everything runs smoothly and everyone feels their best. However, one of the most liberating realizations we can have is that life is inherently balanced between positive and negative experiences. This concept, often referred to as the 50/50 principle, suggests that life is composed of roughly 50% fulfilling, uplifting moments and 50% challenging, difficult ones. Sometimes, this ratio might feel more like 80/20 or 20/80, but over time, it tends to balance out. Understanding this can profoundly impact how we approach our personal and professional lives.

The Duality of Life: Light and Darkness

Imagine the cycles of day and night. Without darkness, we wouldn’t truly appreciate the light. Similarly, the challenging moments in our lives give depth and meaning to the joyful ones. For example, a nurse who has experienced the stress of an overflowing ER on a busy night can deeply appreciate the calm and satisfaction of a smoothly running shift. Without the chaos, the calm wouldn’t be as gratifying.

Examples from Healthcare

  1. Patient Outcomes:
  • Positive: Successfully helping a patient recover and witnessing their gratitude can be incredibly rewarding.
  • Challenging: Facing a difficult case where, despite your best efforts, the outcome is not as hoped. These moments are tough but teach us resilience and compassion.
  1. Work Environment:
  • Positive: Being part of a supportive team where everyone collaborates effectively.
  • Challenging: Experiencing conflicts or miscommunications with colleagues. While uncomfortable, these situations can lead to growth in conflict resolution and teamwork skills.
  1. Personal Growth:
  • Positive: Feeling confident and competent in your role, knowing you are making a difference.
  • Challenging: Dealing with self-doubt or a mistake that shakes your confidence. These moments can drive you to improve and learn more.

Embracing the Balance

Realizing that it’s unrealistic to feel 100% positive all the time is crucial. Life’s challenges do not diminish its value; rather, they enhance our ability to appreciate the good times. As healthcare providers, this understanding can help us manage our expectations and reduce the pressure we place on ourselves.

  • Acceptance: Acknowledge that not every day will be perfect. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay.
  • Perspective: Reflect on past experiences where challenges led to personal or professional growth. This can help shift your perspective and find value in difficult times.
  • Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that experiencing difficult emotions doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s a natural part of the human experience.

Conclusion

Embracing the 50/50 principle allows us to navigate our lives with more grace and acceptance. As healthcare providers, understanding this balance can help us better cope with the inevitable ups and downs of our profession. By recognizing that both light and darkness play a role in our journey, we can find deeper fulfillment and resilience in our everyday experiences.

Let’s strive not for a life free from challenges but for a balanced life where we appreciate the beauty of the positive moments and find strength and growth in the difficult ones.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book an in-person coaching session here or a remote/Zoom coaching session here. 

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the closet

Picture this: You’re standing in your closet, rifling through clothes, and the conversation with your spouse is getting heated. Your face is flushed, your heart rate picks up, and the words you’re exchanging are sharp and cutting. You’re frustrated, feeling trapped in a cycle of annoyance and anger. But then, a startling realization hits you – your spouse isn’t even there. They’re actually sitting peacefully in the dining room. The entire argument was just in your head.

How often do we find ourselves in this situation, having imaginary battles and emotional outbursts over scenarios that are only playing out in our minds? This story might sound familiar to many of us, and it highlights an important aspect of our mental and emotional well-being: our thoughts have immense power, but they are just that – thoughts.

Recognizing the Power of Your Thoughts

In the story, the person in the closet is completely immersed in their thoughts, to the point where their body reacts as if the imagined argument is real. This physical response – the heat, the frustration, the annoyance – is a clear indicator of how powerful our thoughts can be. But here’s the crucial takeaway: those thoughts are not necessarily reality. They are just one person’s interpretation and projection of potential scenarios.

The Key to Awareness: It’s Just Your Thoughts

Understanding that it’s just your thoughts is the first step towards gaining control over your emotional responses. When you realize that the conversation in your head isn’t actually happening, you gain the power to choose how to react. You can decide whether to engage with those thoughts, believe them, or act upon them.

Imagine if the person in the closet took a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and recognize that their spouse is in the dining room, unaware of the turmoil in the closet. This pause can shift the entire dynamic. Instead of spiraling into anger and frustration, they can choose to address the situation calmly or even decide that the argument isn’t worth having at all.

The Choice is Yours

As human beings, we have the incredible ability to choose how we respond to our thoughts. This doesn’t mean suppressing or ignoring them but rather acknowledging their presence and then deciding how much weight to give them. Here are a few steps to help you navigate this process:

  1. Pause: When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by your thoughts, take a moment to pause and breathe. This simple act can create the space needed to step back and gain perspective.
  2. Have Awareness: Recognize that the thoughts running through your mind are just that – thoughts. They are not necessarily true.
  3. Question Your Thoughts: Are they based on assumptions or facts? This can help you determine how to respond.
  4. Choose Your Response: Decide how you want to act or react. Remember, you have the power to choose a response that aligns with your values and desired outcomes.

Conclusion

The next time you find yourself in an imaginary argument or feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts, remember the person in the closet. Acknowledge that it’s only your thoughts creating the turmoil, and you have the power to choose how to respond. By practicing awareness and intentionality, you can navigate your thoughts more effectively and create a more peaceful and empowered life.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book an in-person coaching session here or a remote/Zoom coaching session here.