"Get Out Ya Head!!"

The Mental Wellness Tool You Might Be Overlooking

When we talk about taking care of ourselves — mentally and emotionally — we usually think about things like getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, or taking breaks when we need them. And all of that matters.

But there’s something else that plays a big role in how calm and steady you feel: critical thinking.

I know — it sounds kind of academic, like something from school. But stick with me. Critical thinking isn’t about being overly logical or detached. It’s about giving yourself a moment to pause and ask, “Is what I’m thinking actually true? Or is it just how I feel in this moment?”

That small pause can change everything.

Sometimes your mind will jump to conclusions or spin up the worst-case scenario, and before you know it, you’re stressed or anxious about something that might not even be real. Critical thinking helps you step back and ask yourself, “Wait, am I making this bigger than it is?” or “What part of this can I actually control?”

It doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings — feelings are real and important. But it helps you avoid letting those feelings take over and carry you into overwhelm.

And honestly, the more you practice it, the more self-awareness you build. You start noticing patterns: when you tend to overthink, when you’re assuming the worst, or when you’re reacting too quickly without understanding the full picture.

The beautiful part? You become calmer. More thoughtful. You feel less pulled around by every stressful moment. Instead, you start responding with intention — and that makes everything feel a little lighter and more manageable.

So next time you catch your mind racing, take a breath and ask yourself: Is this true? What’s really going on here? That’s critical thinking at work — and it’s one of the quiet superpowers that can help you stay grounded no matter what life throws at you.