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Your brain can't tell the difference between what's real and what's imagined......

Writer's picture: Iulia Popescu PsychotherapyIulia Popescu Psychotherapy

Imagine this.......A working mum or dad juggles a demanding job, taking care of the kids, and managing the household. One morning, they wake up feeling overwhelmed, thinking about the long to-do list ahead. As they start imagining everything that could go wrong—kids throwing tantrums, missing a deadline at work, the house in chaos—anxiety kicks in. Their heart races, and they feel stressed even before the day has begun.



Whether they're actually facing those stressful situations or just thinking about them, the brain responds with the same anxiety and stress. This mental spiral keeps the anxiety momentum going, making the day even more challenging to manage.


When anxiety starts to kick in, it's crucial to remember that thoughts are powerful. By redirecting their focus—taking a few deep breaths, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or visualising a calm, successful day—they can alter their experience. Instead of surrendering to negative thoughts, they can affirm that not everything they imagine will come to pass and have the resilience to handle whatever the day brings.


Remember, your brain can’t tell the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined.


Whether you are in a stressful situation or just thinking about one, your brain responds with the same anxiety and stress.


So, the next time anxiety kicks in, remember: your thoughts hold power. Shift your focus, and you can change your experience.


Picture by Dare Artworks on Unsplash

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