Girls Night #93: How to Get Out of Your Head and Stop Toxic Thoughts
IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
What toxic thoughts are and how to recognize them
Where our toxic thoughts come from
The power our thoughts have over us if we’re not intentional with them
The first thing to do when a negative thought pops in our mind
How to break free from toxic thought patterns
(You can also listen right here!👇)
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!
Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Jennie Allen. Jennie is an author, podcaster and founder and visionary behind IF:Gathering, an organization that equips women with gospel-centered resources, events, and community so they can learn more about who God is and disciple others.
(Side Note: If you guys haven’t heard of IF Gathering, seriously, go check them out. They are amazing!!)
So not only do I love the work Jennie does with IF Gathering, she also just came out with a new book called Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts.
If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time in your head. Especially right before bed, or in the middle of the night, I can find myself swirling in what-ifs, and worst-case scenarios. I find myself getting lost in negative thoughts about myself, my relationships, and the world around me. And you guys know this — once you get started, it’s really hard to stop! Our minds can feel like a runaway train of worry and negativity.
Especially in the midst of this pandemic — we have more to worry about than ever before — and that’s why I’m so grateful that Jennie wrote this book.
In this episode she’s going to talk to us about our thoughts — how our thoughts work, how we can influence them, why we get stuck in toxic thought-patterns, and how to get ourselves out.
I think every single one of us is saying “Yes and amen” to that. I’m so excited to share this episode with you.
PIN ME!
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Steph’s book, The Lipstick Gospel (here’s a paperback copy and here’s a free digital download!)
Steph’s new prayer journal, Every Single Moment
Into the Unknown: A 10-day devotional for seasons of uncertainty
Jennie’s new book: Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts
Jennie’s Anxious Thoughts Guide
Book Jennie mentions: Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray
Most humans believe 1 of 3 lies:
I am helpless
I am unworthy
I am unlovable
Statistics Jennie Mentions:
85% of our thoughts are negative
95% of our thoughts are repetitive from the day before
8,000-60,000 thoughts are happening in your mind on a given day
On average, 25,000 neg thoughts a day (on the low end)
Quotes Mentioned:
"We were built to do life together" - Jennie
"When I might feel helpless in this, He is not" - Jennie
"I don't want my thought life to be the definition of who I am" - Jennie
"Some days you can't fight for yourself" - Jennie
"There is a discipline to quickly recognizing why we feel the way we feel" - Jennie
“Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right” - Henry Ford
"We are given a choice, God has given us power over our minds" - Jennie
"I'm going to choose to not live in fear" - Jennie
"You're not alone...all of us are having anxious thoughts most of the day" - Jennie
“Fear is a protective device that God gave us” - Jennie
“Sadness is evidence that we care” - Jennie
"Expect those negative thoughts to come, but don't let them master you" - Jennie
"Being sad about what's sad...that is just part of being human" - Jennie
“We build negative physical empires in our brain” - Jennie
"We can change our brains" - Jennie
"We cannot expect to live free without doing the work" - Jennie
Other podcast episodes:
Girls Night #92: How to Read the Bible (and Actually Understand What it Means!)
Girls Night #44: Stephanie Tells the Story of her Recent Anxiety and Depression
CONNECT WITH JENNIE
Facebook // Website // Instagram
CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS!
Our sponsor for today’s episode is Warby Parker. To try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free, head to warbyparker.com/girlsnight.
WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT
here’s another resource I know you’ll love!
Every Single Moment
A 100-day prayer journal to help you savor the present and prepare for the future!