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The Genius Life

465: How to Stop Overthinking and Master Your Inner Voice for Better Mental Health | Ethan Kross, PhD

Feb 19, 2025
Ethan Kross, an award-winning psychologist and director of the Emotion & Self-Control Lab, shares invaluable insights on emotional regulation and the impact of inner dialogue on mental health. He discusses practical strategies for overcoming overthinking and managing stress through techniques like distant self-talk and embracing negative emotions. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of music and sensory experiences in shifting moods, emphasizing the importance of creating personal emotional toolkits and mindful environments.
01:19:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Ethan Kross emphasizes the importance of mastering our inner dialogue to enhance emotional regulation and improve mental well-being.
  • The WHOOP framework—Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan—provides a structured approach to transform intentions into actionable goals while managing emotional responses.

Deep dives

Harnessing the Inner Dialogue

Understanding the science of emotional regulation is crucial for improving mental well-being and decision-making. The podcast features a discussion on how our internal dialogue influences our thoughts and behaviors, and Dr. Ethan Cross introduces listeners to practical tools to navigate emotions such as stress and anxiety. The conversation highlights the importance of mastering the 'voice in our heads' to enable better performance in everyday life. Learning to control this inner dialogue allows individuals to manage their emotions proactively rather than reactively.

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