Just Snap Out Of It!

Photo Credit: @jomer

Oh, that phrase, “snap out of it.” Add in a “just” to boost it to the next level of judgy and invalidating.

I’m not a betting type of gal. However, I’m going to guess most of you have heard this phrase - as an internal chatter or uttered by a well-intentioned person in your life or repeating this nugget to someone else, like your child.

Uh, sorry, but that's not how it works. 👎 Those are not magical words that strip away the very essence of your anxious, worrisome, overthinking, depressive experience.

Otherwise, we’d be okay, and I wouldn’t be writing this.

But what if you could turn these words into something useful?

Iris Stevens Calhoun, LPCA, trusted kiddo therapist magician with @heartmindsoulcounseling, has crafted this phrase into something totally usable, adding a mindfulness twist and turning SNAP into an anxiety relief acronym.

🛑 (S)top: As in freeze. Say nothing. Do nothing.

🔍 (N)otice: Take a moment to notice what's happening around you.

✔️ (A)ccept: Identify your feelings and know this is where you are right now (or accept it).

💬 (P)rocess: This is a 2-part step.

1. Those negative or unhelpful thoughts you're experiencing. Replace them with something positive or helpful.

2. After slowing down to take in all this new information, choose your best next step and DO IT.

Let us know how it goes. Were you able to SNAP out of it?

Iris created this helpful handout you can reference on the go. Click below, and it’s all yours.

Iris Calhoun Stevens is an associate licensed professional counselor who treats children and adolescents who experience anxiety and behavioral and school-related issues. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Iris, go to https://www.heart-mind-soul.com/staff-directory/iris-calhoun-stevens.

Sheila Tucker is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Heart Mind & Soul Counseling. She empowers clients who overthink, worry, and experience their fair share of anxiety to become more rooted in peace, ease, and confidence. When not in the office, you'll find her walking her pups or planning her next mountain getaway with her husband.  

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