Why You're Addicted to Thinking (And What to Do Instead) | Alex Olshonksy

In this episode, Alex Olshonsky explores why you’re addicted to thinking, nd what to do instead. Drawing from his journey through addiction, recovery, meditation, and somatic psychology, Alex argues that overthinking is often a way of avoiding difficult emotions. He explains why compulsive thought can function like an addiction, how attention gets hijacked by rumination and distraction, and what it takes to reconnect with the present moment. Along the way, Eric and Alex discuss recovery, spiritual practice, the role of the body in healing, and practical ways to find more freedom from the endless loop of thoughts. Feeling overwhelmed in your life? Check out Overwhelm is Optional — a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. Sign up here for only $29! Key Takeaways: Personal journey through addiction and recovery Concept of addiction beyond substances, including compulsive thinking The metaphor of the “two wolves” and its relevance to personal and professional life The role of attentional agency in cultivating presence and awareness Healing practices including meditation, somatic psychology, and entheogens The impact of modern life on mental health and compulsive thinking Differentiating between useful thinking and compulsive rumination The importance of somatic awareness in managing thoughts and emotions Recommendations for simple somatic practices to reduce overthinking The relationship between action and thought in creating lasting change For full show notes:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Alex Olshonsky, check out these other episodes: The Age of Magical Overthinking: Why Our Minds Keep Doubling Down with Amanda Montell Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: Talkiatry connects you with licensed psychiatrists for personalized, evidence-based mental health care, all online and covered by most major insurance plans. To get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes, visit Talkiatry.com/FEED. Tiny Health's at-home gut health test provides science-backed insights into your microbiome, along with personalized recommendations to help you improve your digestion, energy, and overall well-being. Get $50 off your first test kit at tinyhealth.com/FEED ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brodo Broth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brodo.com/TOYF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Refresh your wardrobe with Quince by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/feed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rocket Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rocketmoney.com/feed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Shopify⁠⁠⁠ – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at ⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/feed.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠David Protein⁠⁠⁠ bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to ⁠⁠⁠www.davidprotein.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Alma⁠⁠ has a directory of 20,000 therapists with different specialities, life experiences, and identities, and 99% of them take insurance. Visit ⁠⁠helloalma.com⁠⁠ to learn more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura Frames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Named #1 by Wirecutter, you can save on the gifts moms love by visiting AuraFrames.com. For a limited time, listeners can get 25 dollars off their best-selling Carver Mat frame with code FEED. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Taskrabbit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ When life happens, your to-do list grows. Get ahead of it now and get fifteen dollars off your first task at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Taskrabbit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code FEED. Taskers book up fast, especially for same-day tasks, so book trusted home help today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hello Fresh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices