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.
WHEN ‘WHAT IF’ WON’T QUIT Hit Pause When Your Brain Won’t Stop Talking
FACE FORWARD Fresh Features, Fast Fixes
“I’m usually very shy and modest about making any kind of vanity improvements, especially to my face, but I suppose I’m still vain enough at 75 to care about how I look. One day, I was talking with a friend who mentioned that he had his eyes done to have a younger appearance. His eyes looked great, and I wouldn’t have noticed that he had work done had he not told me. After I asked him who performed the procedure, he told me about Dr. Scott at Eye Plastic Associates. “Dr. Scott performed the same surgery on my eyes earlier this year. His procedure was so precise that you’d never be able to tell I had anything done. Now, my eyes look refreshed, and my upper eyelids are no longer droopy. “I’m a very meticulous person, and the smallest detail matters to me. I’ve had my share of doctors over the years, and Dr. Scott is among the most thorough. He’s the perfect balance of professionalism, courtesy, bedside manner, excellence, and attention.
spotted a little globule sitting in the sill of my eye. I immediately feared the possibility of cancer. It was around 9:30 at night, and I left a message for Dr. Scott. I didn’t expect him to call me back so quickly, but he did so shortly after 10 that evening. He said that my eye was overreacting during the healing process and that the globule was nothing to worry about. When I saw him in his office the following afternoon, he gave me something to prevent the globule from recurring. “I’m very pleased with Dr. Scott and the results of his work. The recovery went smoothly. Within two weeks, I was looking pretty good; within three or four weeks, I looked like my old self, just slightly younger. “Sometimes, you go to a doctor and sit waiting for 45 minutes until someone gets you, takes you to another room, and makes you wait another 20 minutes. That’s not the way it is with Eye Plastic Associates. Within about five minutes, you’re taken to the room, and Dr. Scott sees you within another five minutes. He truly is top of the line.”
–Anonymous
“I’ll give you a clear example of what I mean. This past summer, I was sitting at home when I felt something funny in my left eye. I looked in there and
2 EyePlasticMD.com
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