186: Stuck in Overthinking? A Simple Practice to Interrupt Stress, Overwhelm, and Habit Loops

The Best of You

Dr. Alison Cook

Mental Health, Health & Fitness

4.9 • 959 Ratings

🗓️ 4 December 2025

⏱️ 49 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

If stress or discomfort sends you into overthinking, numbing, or trying to fix what you can’t control… If certain habits feel automatic no matter how much you try to change them… You’re not alone, and your brain is more trainable than you think. In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer—psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and New York Times best-selling author who specializes in habit change and mindfulness. They unpack why we get stuck in these loops and a simple practice to steady your soul. Instead of relying on willpower or self-judgment, this conversation invites you to: Notice your inner patterns with kindness Differentiate discomfort from distress Understand the habit loops that drive anxiety, worry, or overthinking Apply the #1 tool to help you create real, lasting change Deepen your connection to God This episode is a grounding companion for anyone navigating stress, emotional triggers, or the pull toward old coping strategies—especially in seasons that stir up more than we expect. 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. If you liked this episode, you’ll love: Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress and Anxiety Episode 112: Navigating Anxiety 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get up to 40% off. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	One of the things I've been thinking about lately is how many stories we don't know about the people we love most.
0:06.1	Just last night I was talking with my aunt and uncle about their family history, the legacy of family, of which I'm apart, tiny details from their stories that absolutely shocked me.
0:17.1	And it made me realize how many stories are still tucked away waiting to be told. And I don't want to lose any of them. And that's why I recommend Storyworth Memoirs for your loved ones this holiday season. It's a gift they'll love. They won't see it coming, but it's something that will make them feel truly special. And honestly, it becomes a gift for you, too, and for everyone in the family. Here's how it works.
0:38.6	Each week, Storyworth emails your loved one and memory-provoking question that you get to choose.
0:42.9	Questions like, what were your favorite toys as a child or what are you most proud of?
0:47.1	All they have to do is reply with a story. They can write it over email or even record it over the phone.
0:52.4	No apps, no passwords, perfect for the least tech savvy
0:55.6	relatives. After a year, StoryWorth compiles these stories and photos into a beautiful
1:00.7	keepsake hardcover book. It's something your family will revisit for generations. I've used this
1:06.2	and I've found the whole experience incredibly meaningful. Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you'll all cherish for years,
1:14.3	Storyworth Memoirs.
1:15.9	Right now, save $10 or more during their holiday sale when you go to
1:19.4	storyworth.com slash best of you.
1:22.0	That's storyworth.com slash best of you to save $10 or more on your order.
1:27.8	Anxiety is probably an evolutionary bottleneck in this respect because it pulls together
1:33.6	fear and planning. The more we worry, the less we're actually able to plan. We can get stuck
1:40.0	in these habit loops of distraction where we're not learning to be with our unpleasant
1:46.1	experiences and if we're constantly running away from it we're not going to know how to
1:50.6	deal with things that are uncomfortable in the future when we get out of our own way
1:55.4	when it's not about us when it's about something much bigger than us suddenly
1:59.9	we've got all the strength in the world.
2:01.6	This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. The holidays are full of traditions, some we love, and some we quietly outgrow.
	...

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