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It's Not About the Alcohol


Feb 1, 2025

In this episode, Colleen shares how our habitual thoughts are often attempts to solve emotional problems and regulate our nervous systems. She dives into her own experience of stress-induced burnout, driven by hyper-focus on business analytics, and the creative stagnation it caused. By recognizing these patterns, Colleen highlights how to reset with small, intentional habits that prioritize self-care and help you regain balance and creativity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thoughts as Habits:
    • Most of our thoughts are habitual patterns developed to solve emotional discomfort.
    • Your brain is constantly seeking control and certainty, often at the expense of creativity and emotional balance.
  • The Brain’s Narrative:
    • Thought processes aim to regulate your nervous system by telling a story that makes you feel safe.
    • These narratives, while comforting, can sometimes keep you in a stress loop.
  • Burnout and Creativity:
    • Chronic stress, often self-inflicted by overworking or overthinking, depletes creativity and leaves you feeling stuck.
    • Small habits like reading, exercise, or mindfulness breaks can help shift you into a more relaxed and creative state.
  • Breaking the Cycle:
    • Identify the problem your brain is trying to solve and examine the emotion driving it.
    • Ask yourself, "Is this thought process leading to a regulated nervous system, or is it just a hamster wheel?"
    • Reintroduce simple, grounding habits that support balance and mental clarity.

Action Steps:

  1. Pause and Reflect:
    Notice your thought patterns and ask, "What emotional need is my brain trying to solve?"
  2. Interrupt the Hamster Wheel:
    • Step outside the loop of habitual thinking and assess whether your current actions are helping or hindering your emotional well-being.
  3. Start Small:
    • Set a micro-goal to reintroduce a habit that supports creativity and calm, like reading for 10 minutes, taking a phone-free break, or practicing deep breathing.
  4. Be Patient:
    • Building new habits takes time. Celebrate small wins and trust that your efforts will compound over time.

Homework:
Notice a habitual thought process or pattern that keeps you stuck or stressed. Reflect on the emotion driving it and ask yourself if there’s a better way to meet that need. Experiment with a small, intentional habit that redirects your focus and supports a more regulated nervous system.

Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL. If you’re ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober (side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking),You'll walk away from our call with a clear understanding of how to get the skills you need to transform your life.

 

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