Ever catch yourself stuck in a loop, replaying the same thoughts over and over again? That endless cycle of “What ifs” and “Why did I?” can be exhausting. But what if there was a way to break free from this mental merry-go-round?

Enter the art of illeism—referring to yourself in the third person.

It might sound a bit odd, but talking about yourself as if you’re someone else can work wonders for your mental clarity. By stepping outside your own head, you create a buffer between your thoughts and your emotions. This simple shift in perspective helps prevent the spiral of overthinking and rumination, our tendency to keep thinking about bad experiences. It’s quite different from healthy self-reflection.

Imagine this: You’re journaling about a stressful day at work. Instead of writing, “I was so overwhelmed,” you jot down, “She felt overwhelmed by the endless tasks on her to-do list.” Suddenly, it’s as if you’re reading about someone else’s experience. You can see the situation more clearly, without the fog of emotion clouding your judgment.

By taking yourself out of the equation, you give your mind the space it needs to process, reflect, and ultimately let go. So next time you find yourself tangled in thoughts, try this little mental trick. Your future self (and peace of mind) will thank you.

Stay mindful, stay free!

Theresa Spann
Founder, The Edge Girl