Savvy Psychologist

How to win at the "what if" game

Feb 28, 2024

Learn the negative impact of playing the 'what if' game and how to reduce anxiety. Discover practical tips on overcoming rumination and focusing on probable situations. Explore the effects on anxiety and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of self-care for emotional well-being

07:26

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Quick takeaways

Rating the likelihood of 'what if' scenarios helps focus on coping with realistic situations.

Managing emotional avoidance by acknowledging and soothing feelings leads to better decision-making processes.

Deep dives

Opting Out of the What If Game

The podcast discusses the 'what if' game and how it often leads to feelings of fear, avoidance, and being stuck. It emphasizes the difference between probability and possibility in hypothetical scenarios. By acknowledging the futility of ruminating on highly unlikely events, individuals can opt out of playing the game. The episode suggests rating the likelihood of 'what if' scenarios to focus on coping with realistic situations rather than anxiety-inducing hypotheticals.

Mastering the What If Game for Better Mental Health

5min

Navigating Anxiety and Decision-Making

3min

Are you sick of getting stuck in the what-ifs? When your brain goes to every possible scenario there are ways to pull out of it. Here are the ways to stop the what if game.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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