Transforming Stressful Thoughts: A Guide to Cognitive Reappraisal

Hello everyone, I'm Dr. Laurie Marbas, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician currently living full-time in an RV. In today's episode, I delve into the topic of stress and introduce a powerful tool called cognitive reappraisal, which is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I start by sharing some personal experiences, including the stress of selling my house and moving into an RV, to illustrate how stress can impact our lives. I then explain the concept of cognitive reappraisal, a psychological strategy that helps alter the way we interpret stressful situations to change our emotional responses. The process involves four steps: 1. Identify Negative Thoughts: Recognize and identify the negative or unhelpful thoughts that arise in response to a stressor. 2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Examine the evidence for and against these thoughts, question their validity, and consider more balanced perspectives. 3. Reinterpret the Stressor: View the stressor in a way that reduces its emotional impact, such as seeing it as a challenge rather than a threat. 4. Implement Reappraised Thoughts: Replace the original negative thoughts with more constructive ones, making this new way of thinking automatic over time. I discuss the benefits of cognitive reappraisal, including improved emotional regulation, better mental health, enhanced resilience, and improved decision-making. I also touch on practical applications in various areas such as workplace stress, interpersonal relationships, and health-related stress. To wrap up, I encourage listeners to practice these steps and share some additional resources, including a research paper by Ellen Langer, the "mother of mindfulness," whom I interviewed on the podcast. I invite everyone to subscribe, click the notification bell, and sign up for my newsletter for more insights. Thank you for joining me today. I'm sending you joy, love, peace, and healing. Have a beautiful rest of your day! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen