Nine of Swords – calamitous, cataclysmic, disastrous, fatal, ruinous, tragic.

Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion that involves expecting or worrying about the worst possible outcome of an event or situation, even when it’s minor. It consists in thinking that something is far worse than it is or that a small event will have a catastrophic effect. For example, if you miss a train to visit friends, you might catastrophize by thinking the friendship will be ruined. Another way to catastrophize is to imagine situations as chronic or long-lasting.

Here are some ways to avoid catastrophizing:

Practice mindfulness. Stay in the present moment using techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises.

Identify what you can change: Recognize that some circumstances are out of your control.

Keep a thought log: Writing down your thoughts can help you catch yourself catastrophizing.

Accept uncertainty: Move toward the sadness and stress of uncertainty instead of trying to bargain with it.

Acknowledge the Process: Many solutions are a combination of assertions.

Practice self-care: Sleep well, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to manage stress and anxiety.

Practice mindful eating: Use your senses to focus on your food’s texture, temperature, and smell.

Time heals: Imagining the discomfort will last forever is catastrophizing.

WE&P by EZorrillaMc.