Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Why do we dwell on the past????????

After something stressful has occurred it would be nice if we could leave it behind and move on with our lives.  Sometimes we can.  For example, you might narrowly miss getting sideswiped by another car, feel stressed in the moment, and then shake it off and move on with your day.
But often after we’ve encountered a stressful event, say, an argument with a spouse or an important presentation at work, we continue to ruminate (have repetitive, often negative, thoughts).  These thoughts are not about active problem-solving; they are repeatedly chewing on and worrying over past events.
Why is it that sometimes we can let go of the things that stress us out and at other times, even after the event has passed and we know can’t change it or our response, we continue to be stuck thinking about it?

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