When ‘What If’ Won’t Quit
HIT PAUSE WHEN YOUR BRAIN WON’T STOP TALKING
We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst- case scenarios, or obsessing over things we can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being. So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. Turn down the mental volume. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Dive into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Shifting focus gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded.
Breathing exercises also work wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and out through your nose. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes.
Challenge your thoughts. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see if you can do anything about them. Taking small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.
The Most Dangerous Days of the Year Give Yourself the Greatest Gift and Arrive Home Safe This Holiday
Every holiday season, families lose loved ones to crashes involving impaired drivers, tragically, when people are meant to be celebrating together. That’s why December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, with the weeks between Christmas and New Year’s Day consistently seeing some of the highest rates of fatal drunk driving crashes. In December 2022 alone, more than a thousand lives were lost to impaired driving, numbers not seen
in over 15 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
most accidents happen within 10 miles of home, exactly where people feel most comfortable taking chances. The Right Call The safest decision you can make this season is to plan ahead. If you’re going out, line up a sober ride, grab a rideshare, or hand your keys to someone you trust. Hosts can make a life-saving difference by ensuring guests get home safely, even if that means holding onto car keys or calling a cab. The holidays should be about coming together, not tearing families apart. Every driver has the power to change the story and ensure the season ends in joy, not heartbreak. So, before you hit the road, pause, think, and make the wise choice. The greatest gift you can give is making it home safely and helping others do the same.
The Truth About Impairment Impaired driving isn’t just about alcohol. Prescription drugs, marijuana, and even over-the-counter medicines can slow reaction time, dull focus, and affect coordination behind the wheel. Add winter weather and holiday stress to the mix, and even minor lapses in judgment can turn deadly. Fatigue, emotional distractions, or rushing between celebrations can all create dangerous conditions long before alcohol ever enters the picture. The Myths That Keep Us Unsafe One of the most persistent myths is that coffee or fresh air can “sober you up.” They can’t. Only time allows alcohol to leave your system. Another false belief? Thinking a short drive means less risk. In reality,
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