CBT | The Beginner's Guide

CBT, ever heard of it?  Perhaps, perhaps not.  It stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and still sees many people wielding sticks in a bid to keep the concept faaaar away from them.  But here's the thing, it's not that deep.  Instead, it's just a really, really helpful tool that takes you from spinning yourself in circles over something less than important, to shrugging it off with ease.  I'd go as far as to call it life-changing.  So, I mentioned at the end of last year how I'd be exploring a couple of different routes, including practicing mindfulness and sure, I was skeptical (who isn't?).  Fast forward four months later and it's truly been such an incredible journey.  So incredible in fact, it feels near impossible not to share some basic CBT with you!  I've taken five basic concepts from what I've been learning and shared them with you below - speaking as no expert!  Consider then five steps forwards into a calmer, more serene life.  You never knew, you may just be curious enough to go through an online programme, or perhaps find a practitioner near you!  Trust me, you won't regret it...

Q U I T   R U M I N A T I N G  ,  B A B E

Figure out a way to deal with the problem, or learn to let the problem go.  If you fall into the trap of ruminating, ask yourself whether it's a ''true, fair, reasonable or helpful way to think about the topic?''

Psst!  Ruminating - overthinking, dwelling on the same thing etc. 


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F I G H T  ,  F L I G H T   O R   F R E E Z E

The physical symptoms that come with the above are totally natural.  Start jotting down your physical reactions (eg. biting lip), so that when they next occur, you can write them off as exactly that - natural reactions!

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S L E E P  ,   D I E T   A N D    E X E R C I S E 

These three are instrumental to maintaining a constant mood (apparently).  If you're feeling overwhelmed with work overload or general life events, get the above three in order - consider them house maintenance, general admin

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O H   S W E E T I E  ,  Y O U ' R E   N O T   A   F O R T U N E   T E L L E R 

 Just how many of us are guilty of trying to predict the future?  If you're predicting a positive outcome, fabulous.  But if you're not, that needs to change.  We're essentially shooting ourselves in the foot by predicting negative outcomes before the event has even occurred.  Oh and the same goes for mind reading.  Nobody knows what another person is thinking unless they tell them - so assume everyone thinks well of you, unless you're told otherwise!

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S T A Y I N G   I N   T H E   P R E S E N T

A lovely little crossover between CBT and Mindfulness.  Take a peek on Youtube for short mindfulness meditation videos for 'Staying In The Present'.  Switch off, calm down and relaaaaax  

Top - Whistles,  Skirt - Karen Millen  &  Coat - Gloverall

I've loved sharing some of these tips with you, particularly as they've proven so useful to me over recent months.  I can't think of a single person I've ever met who couldn't in some way benefit from CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).  It's all about adjusting your mindset to get the most out of life, and to put the most into life.  In short, it's fab!  Seriously, I feel as though this is something that everyone should have to learn at school, ready to take with us into adult life!  Have you ever dipped your toe into CBT?  Have any of the above five points struck a chord with you?  Let me know in the comments below!

Liked this post?  You might also enjoy >> Looking Forwards Vs. Wishing Your Life Away

With love,

Gabrielle x