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

Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleaf 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 Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/intrusive-thoughts OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS: -BiOptimizer’s Magnesium Breakthrough: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to http://www.magbreakthrough.com/leaf and use DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10% on your order. -BetterHelp: I am proud to say that this podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp, and Cleaning Up the Mental Mess listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/drleaf. -NOOM: Start building better habits for healthier, long-term results. Sign up for your trial at noom.com/DRLEAF. 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 -Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com -Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.app -Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com! -Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 -Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources -Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/- -Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf -Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf *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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.