Can Journaling Make Overthinking Worse?
from Just a Minute with Dr Kumari Hosted by Dr Kumari Valentine
Journaling is often recommended — but what if writing things down sometimes keeps us stuck? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr Kumari Valentine explores the difference between processing and rumination, drawing on the work of James Pennebaker and Susan Nolen-Hoeksema. We look at how journaling can become “overthinking on paper” when we stay fused with our thoughts, analyse rather than name our emotions, or use the page as another place to criticise ourselves. You’ll learn how to notice whether your writing is actually helping something move — and how perspective, emotion and self-compassion can make journaling more useful. Try the free One-Minute Overthinking Check-In to help you recognise when your thinking is taking you somewhere — and when you’re simply going around again. It is available here: https://justaminutewithdrkumari.substack.com/p/why-do-we-overthink?r=5fseg6&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
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What this episode covers
Journaling can help us process difficult experiences — but sometimes it simply becomes overthinking on paper. Dr Kumari Valentine explores how to tell the difference between reflection and rumination, and why perspective, emotion and self-compassion can help us get unstuck.
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