What to Do with Anxious Thoughts

Step 1 of 5

Check your starting point: What to Do with Anxious Thoughts

When a prediction sounds so convincing that it feels like a fact…

Notice what fits this situation today:

• Anxious forecasts contain cognitive distortions
• Attention can be redirected
• Kindness reduces secondary threat
• I am not sure yet—I just want to understand

Step 2 of 5

An anxious thought demands attention and presents a prediction as a fact

• An anxious thought demands attention and presents a prediction as a fact.
• Distance through naming distortions, shifting the spotlight of attention and a benevolent inner voice reduces fusion.
• Reappraising the threat as a challenge and acting on your values returns direction, even if the fear remains.

Step 3 of 5

Say: “My mind predicts...”

• Pause for a few seconds. Check whether this practice feels safe enough right now.
• Say: “My mind predicts...”.
• Check evidence and alternatives.
• Select one value step.
• Notice what changed in your body or thoughts. Do not grade yourself—collect information.

Quick check after the practice:

• What changed, even by 1%?
• What stayed the same?
• What do you need now: continue, stop, or ask someone for support?

Step 4 of 5

What this may change: What to Do with Anxious Thoughts

A little more distance, attention, and freedom to act by values.

The useful shift is more clarity, less autopilot, and one available choice.

Step 5 of 5

Choose a next step: What to Do with Anxious Thoughts

You do not have to resolve this whole situation today. You worked directly with “What to Do with Anxious Thoughts” and chose one possible response.

Choose what fits now:

• “Save one next step”
• “Come back later”
• “I need support from a person”