Hi: Deep breathing, relaxation techniques are helpful for me to stop this type of thinking. I'm much better at stopping it now with distraction. I go and do something to occupy myself, even better if you leave that room and change the scenery. I was a big-time worrier, sometimes with no sleep at night. Glad those days are behind me. The muscle relaxation and visualization worked very well for me.
I've been using thought records for a long time. The new pattern that emerged, which concerns me, is that cycle. Maybe it's just an insight which isn't going to make a difference, but hopefully I can use my visual need to conceptualize, to break the pattern
I'm glad you found a helpful tool - using thought records- to help you 'snap' out of the circular thinking. Continue to use this strategy when you recognize that those thought patterns are taking control.
Remember to include deep breathing techniques as well.
I noticed my circular thinking with a cousin I was speaking to yesterday. Having just discovered how visual I was, I had tried to "map" my irrational circle using a circle, in another situation. It's frustrating to know that I'm doing what another person suggested once.
He stated that neurosis is doing the same thing which fails repeatedly, but I'm afraid that's what I do. Using a thought record helped, if I drew a diagram on the form.
I wonder if others have found their circular, frustrating thinking?
