Menobodies

Spiraling Thoughts and How to Stop Them


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Welcome back, Menobodies! In this episode, Beth dives into a topic she often talks about in her therapy sessions—spiraling thoughts. You know that mental tornado that starts with one worry and suddenly sweeps you into worst-case scenarios? Whether it’s about sleep, weight, or everyday stress, Beth breaks it down with her signature mix of humor, heart, and practicality.

In this episode, Beth covers:
  • What spiraling thoughts actually are (and why they hit harder during perimenopause and menopause)
  • How anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and black-and-white thinking feed the spiral
  • Her “tornado” visual—how one thought builds into chaos
  • Why midlife changes, hormones, and stress make the mental chatter even louder
Then she introduces her favorite tool: “doorstops.”
Simple, realistic ways to pause your thoughts before they spin out of control.

Examples Beth shares:
  • Forgetting breakfast → imagining you’ll end up in the hospital → using a doorstop like deep breathing, logic, or reassurance
  • Feeling bloated or noticing weight gain → spiraling into shame → using a doorstop like body kindness, a walk, or ditching the clothes that don’t fit today
Practical doorstops you can try:
  • 3x3x3 breathing
  • A personal mantra or affirmation
  • Calling a trusted friend
  • Journaling or jotting down quick thoughts
  • Taking a short break—walk, snack, or reset moment
Beth’s takeaway:
You can’t always stop intrusive thoughts from showing up, but you can keep them from running the show. With awareness and a few “doorstops,” you can calm the storm before it spirals.

Until next time, Menobodies—take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and remember: you’re stronger than the storm.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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MenobodiesBy Beth Lohman