Podcast 366: Intrusive thoughts- what they are and how to not let them run your life

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about intrusive thoughts, and how to manage them using what I call “thinker moments”. As you have heard me say many times before, the brain is neuroplastic. This means it is constantly changing. We merge with our environments through our choices, including how long we decide to spend on our phone. “Thinker” time is very important, because it balances our minds, allowing us to observe our environment before we just let it influence and direct our thinking

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
1:30 Intrusive thoughts are a global problem!
2:50, 7:30 What intrusive thoughts are
8:00 Why we must weaken intrusive thoughts
9:00 Mind management & intrusive thoughts
9:50 The importance of thinker moments & how they train us to be more self-regulated
12:05 The brain is constantly changing—it is neuroplastic
12:30 Whatever we focus on the most grows, including intrusive thoughts
14:00 The power of being alone with our thoughts
19:00 How to get into a “thinker mindset”
21:00 How thinker moments affect the brain
23:00, 26:15 Tips to use thinker moments to build up mental resilience & manage intrusive thoughts

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*DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.

OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:

[michelleleon]

With so much social media and tv now available people don’t know how to rest their minds and have lack of peace. Gods word is so helpful to find peace.

[rcz]

Thank you Dr. Leaf for sharing your knowledge, your hard work is appreciated.

[joshuavanniekerk]

Dr. Leaf you are amazing! Thank you so much for your work!

[amyhansen]

Thank you so much Dr Leaf! I used to not know what to do with invasive thoughts, at times thinking they defined me, which caused a lot of anxiety. Thank you for your HELPFUL and reassuring teaching, you have made such a difference in my life! God bless you!💖

[jenniferdowell]

I too Have a Generalized Anxiety disorder/OCD obsessive thinking and intrusive thoughts. At times they are terrifying. I have developed phobias regarding heights and fearful thoughts of falling, passing out/jumping. The anxiety that comes with the thoughts is what makes it think its real even though I know the thoughts are irrational but i continue to avoid heights and I noticed it seems to be getting worse. I am aware they are intrusive thoughts, but when i am under stress its starts to ramp up. looking forward to reading this book.

[daisykapone]

Thank you Dr for this. This is biblical.

[alizac]

I enjoy the podcasts Caroline does on her own the most 💜

[Chippy]

I have OCD and sometimes the intrusive thoughts are not always ones that are kind of ridiculous. Sometimes I’ll have a thought that maybe people are talking about me at work. I know they’re not, as a matter of fact I could’ve just gotten a complement from one of them saying I’m doing a good job or whatever but yet my mind will just obsess on the what if. And then my anxiety attack is so bad I have to call somebody at work and ask are you talking about me and then I look like an idiot. But as soon as they say no my anxiety goes away. It’s crazy to live like this

[sandrawilkinson]

This is gold! Thank you Dr Caroline, there are no words to state how much I needed this information and technique. God bless you!!!

[annesturrup]

This is amazing it’s also a biblical principal explained!!!! Thinking lovely thoughts relaxes my mind body spirit and soul! Thank you

[sandrajackson]

Thank you so much.. so helping me in my life

[cupcakestv]

Thank you so much for this. You made me feel normal and gave me some hope for dealing with upsetting thoughts.

[rebanelson]

Don't just buy the book- read it! This is NOT a quick and easy, mindless process but it is worth the daily effort required to work the system presented in her books. You really can change your mind but first you must "face it to dissipate it." However, if you are dealing with a genuinely TRAUMATIC issue, PLEASE be sure you have a SUPPORT SYSTEM in place.

[annesturrup]

Dr. Leaf thank you so much this is so true! I love it now I can live a better life.

[doinglifewiththelittles]

Please keep up the good work love alll your wisdom

[annerognaldsenolaisen]

♥️♥️♥️I love your podcast and books, thank you!!!

[bigfishstudio]

Thank you for this incredible insight.
My thinker moments normally happens when I'm in the shower 😆

[Kris]

New subscriber here! I'm curious to know which one of Dr Leaf's books can help best with someone who deals with procrastination? I have recognized I can be a bit of an escapist when I'm tasked with something unpleasant or boring 😅 (anyone feel free to answer)

[vickiparisi]

Dr. Leaf, this sounds great, but I am wondering. When your intrusive thoughts have to do with OCD and health anxiety, what do you do to self-regulate when, at the moment, the threat seems so real?

[iamanovercomer]

Philippians 4:7
New King James Version
7 and THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
1 Corinthians 2:16
New King James Version
16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST.
2 Corinthians 10:5
New King James Version
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST,