Alright ladies, let's face it – our minds are like chatty teenagers at a sleepover. They never shut up! One minute you're planning dinner, the next you're replaying that awkward Zoom call from last week (seriously, who wears pajamas on a business call?). It's enough to drive even the sanest woman to the brink.

But what if I told you there's a way to silence the noise and find some inner peace? Forget bubble baths and bad reality TV (although, those have their merits too!). Today we're talking about observing your thoughts – a fancy term for becoming a cool, detached observer of your own mental movie.

Think of it like this: you're sitting in a comfy cinema watching the latest blockbuster about your life. Instead of getting sucked into the drama (the grocery store line is SO long!), you're simply observing the characters (your thoughts) and the plot (your worries) unfold. Pretty cool, right?

Here's the deal: by observing your thoughts, you realize you're not your thoughts. They're just fleeting visitors, not your permanent roommates. This shift in perspective is like magic (without the questionable fashion choices)! Studies show it can actually reduce stress, improve your mood, and even help you focus better. Basically, it's like a mental spa day – all from the comfort of your own living room (or favorite yoga studio surrounded by your amazing lady tribe!).

So, how do you become a master observer of your own thoughts? Here's the lowdown:

• Find Your Chill Zone: Grab a comfy spot, free from distractions. Think comfy chair, not that rickety stool in the kitchen.
  
• Breathe Deeply: Take a few slow, deep breaths. Feel your belly rise and fall with each inhale and exhale. This helps anchor you in the present moment, not reliving that embarrassing high school dance (we've all been there, honey!).
  
• Watch the Thought Parade: Now, observe your thoughts as they float by. Don't judge them, just watch. Imagine them as fluffy clouds drifting across the sky.
  
• Be a Chill Observer: If you find yourself getting caught up in a thought, gently guide your attention back to your breath or the present moment. Think of yourself as a skilled surfer, effortlessly riding the wave of your thoughts without getting wiped out.
  
• Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skill, this takes practice. Start with a few minutes a day and gradually increase as you get comfortable.
  
• Be Patient with Yourself: Your mind will wander, that's part of the deal. Just gently bring your attention back, like a patient sheepdog herding his flock.
  

Bonus Tip: Share your journey with your amazing girlfriends! Talking about your experiences can deepen your connection and provide valuable support.

Observing your thoughts is a powerful tool for finding inner peace. By practicing regularly, you'll be well on your way to managing stress, boosting your mood, and feeling more centered. So, silence the mental chatterbox, embrace the peace, and remember, ladies, you've got this!

**And hey, if all else fails, there's always that bubble bath and some bad reality TV waiting for you. **

Sources:

Mary Deyo, Kimberly A. Wilson, Jason Ong, Cheryl Koopman, Mindfulness and Rumination: Does Mindfulness Training Lead to Reductions in the Ruminative Thinking Associated With Depression?, EXPLORE, Volume 5, Issue 5, 2009, Pages 265-271, ISSN 1550-8307, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2009.06.005.

Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822

Catherine E. Kerr, Krishnapriya Josyula, Ronnie Littenberg, Developing an observing attitude: an analysis of meditation diaries in an MBSR clinical trial. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Volume 18, Issue 1, 2011, Pages 80-93, https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.700.

Deikman, Arthur J. The observing self. Beacon Press, 1983.