The Power of Humour and a Positive Mindset

Believe In Yourself

The Power of Humour and a Positive Mindset: Why Overthinking and Catastrophizing Are Holding You Back

Life throws curveballs—some big, some small, and some that feel like they’ve been pitched straight from the depths of chaos. But here’s the thing: most of what we stress over is nowhere near as catastrophic as our minds make it out to be.

Far too often, we overthink situations, catastrophize outcomes, and dwell on things we cannot control. But what if there was a way to break free from that mental cycle? Enter humour and positivity—two underrated superpowers that can transform the way we navigate life’s uncertainties.

Let’s dive into why laughter, optimism, and perspective are essential in everyday situations and how they can help us stop sweating the small stuff.

Why Do We Overthink and Catastrophize?

We’ve all been there. A small problem arises, and suddenly our brains spiral into a worst-case scenario montage that would make even the most dramatic soap opera look tame.

Your boss sends a vague email. You assume you’re fired.

Your friend is slow to reply. You’re convinced they secretly hate you.

You make a minor mistake. You believe everyone is judging you forever.

Sound familiar? That’s catastrophizing—the act of assuming the worst possible outcome, even when evidence doesn’t support it.

On the other hand, overthinking is when your brain won’t let something go, replaying conversations, decisions, or imaginary situations over and over. It’s exhausting and often leads to stress about things that, in reality, aren’t worth the mental energy.

But why do we do it?

1. We’re Hardwired for Survival

Our brains are built to detect threats and keep us safe. Back in the days of dodging saber-toothed tigers, this was essential for survival. But in modern times, that same mechanism often works against us—seeing danger in situations that aren’t actually life-threatening.

2. Fear of Uncertainty

Humans crave control. We want predictable outcomes, and when we don’t have them, our minds rush to fill the gaps—often with negative assumptions.

3. Social Conditioning

We grow up hearing phrases like “Be careful,” “Don’t make mistakes,” and “What will people think?”—conditioning us to overanalyse situations and fear judgment.

The good news? We can rewire our thinking patterns to be more constructive, and humour plays a huge role in that.

Humour Helps

How Humour Saves Us from Mental Overload

Imagine someone cuts you off in traffic. You could:

Swear, dwell on their incompetence, and let it ruin your day.

Laugh at the absurdity of road rage and carry on with your life.

Humour helps us shift perspective, making frustrating situations feel lighter instead of overwhelming.

1. It Breaks the Overthinking Cycle

When you add humour to a situation, it forces your brain to break its repetitive loop. Instead of spiraling into a mental abyss, laughter gives you a moment of emotional distance—reminding you that most problems aren’t that serious.

2. Laughter = Instant Stress Relief

Science backs this up—laughter reduces stress hormones, boosts mood-enhancing endorphins, and even improves cardiovascular health. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, find something to laugh at—it’s free therapy.

3. It Reduces Fear and Anxiety

Ever noticed how comedians joke about serious topics? It’s because humour takes away fear’s power. When we joke about something, it becomes less intimidating, allowing us to approach challenges with confidence rather than dread.

A Positive Mindset: The Ultimate Life Hack

Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It simply means choosing constructive perspectives over destructive ones.

1. Positivity Reframes Challenges

Instead of “I can’t handle this”, think “I will find a way through this.”

Instead of “Everything is falling apart”, try “This is tough, but I’ve overcome worse.”

Your mindset determines your resilience—and a positive outlook makes problem-solving easier.

2. It Helps You Adapt

Life is unpredictable, but a positive mindset makes it easier to roll with the punches. When things don’t go as planned, staying flexible rather than panicked is crucial.

3. It Improves Relationships

Nobody enjoys being around a perpetual pessimist. Positivity helps you engage with others more openly and draws people toward you, strengthening personal and professional connections.

STOP Overthinking

How to Stop Overthinking and Start Living

So, how do we retrain our minds to stop catastrophizing and embrace humour and optimism?

Practice Perspective Shifts

Ask yourself:

“Will this matter in a month?”

 “Is this truly the worst thing that could happen?”

“What’s a funny way to look at this?”

Often, the answer will snap you out of overthinking and into logical thinking.

Surround Yourself with Positive Energy

Spend time with people who uplift you, consume content that inspires you, and limit exposure to negativity.

Use Humour Intentionally

Even in tough moments, find lightness. Listen to funny podcasts, watch comedy, or make jokes with friends—it’s an underrated stress-management tool.

Detach from What You Can’t Control

If it’s out of your hands, let it go. Easier said than done, but the more you practice, the more freedom you’ll feel.

Hypnotherapy Can Help

If negative thinking patterns feel deeply ingrained, hypnotherapy can rewire the subconscious mind, helping you build a more positive outlook effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

Life will always have stressors, uncertainties, and moments that don’t go as planned. But you control your reaction.

Humour and a positive mindset won’t erase challenges, but they will make them manageable. They’ll stop you from wasting energy on imagined disasters and help you focus on what actually matters.

So, the next time your brain insists on spiralling into a worst-case scenario, pause, breathe, and ask yourself: “What’s the most ridiculous way to look at this?”—chances are, you’ll find laughter, and with it, relief.

And hey, if nothing else works…remember that none of us are getting out of life alive, so we might as well enjoy the ride while we’re here.

Ready to Reframe Your Mindset with Hypnotherapy?

Overthinking and catastrophizing don’t have to rule your life. Through hypnotherapy, you can learn to quiet the mental noise, embrace humour, and develop a more relaxed, resilient mindset.

I offer free consultations to explore how hypnotherapy can help you shift your thinking patterns and create a calmer, more positive life.

DM me or visit www.jonadkin.com to book your FREE consultation today!

When You Are Ready

Until next month. Have a great June. Smile more and look for the positives.