Everyone has had something in their life where they said to themselves, “but if I had turned my head on then, it would have been different.” “Turn on your head” = think rationally. The word is complex and incomprehensible, but in reality everything is simple. In my consultations, I use methods that include the head, the “conscious part” and thanks to this we solve the problem. We have two ways of thinking: rationally and irrationally. Rationally - build logical chains, support them with arguments and facts. To put it simply - this is a form of thinking, in which is based on logic. She is not subject to emotions. This is the thinking of an adult, which can be assessed, analyzed, compared, and created logical chains in most life situations. The term adulthood in this case is defined as a characteristic of thinking, and not an age limit. Children can think rationally and this makes them “adults.” Irrational – feelings, emotions and experiences. Irrational thinking underlies impulsive decision making, formed on emotions, self-awareness and feelings. You can also add here emotional reactions, spiritual insights, meditation, contemplation and others. Why do we need rational thinking? 1. Development and growth We learn new things, it is easier for us to understand important life issues. Imagine: before we did not know that the earth is round, but with the help of science and evidence they discovered space. When we know who an abuser is and why he is not ok, it is easier not to contact such people. 2. Striving for the truth Striving to find out the truth so as not to make mistakes. People put on rose-colored glasses, hiding the whole truth of their lives from themselves, because it’s easier that way. However, in the end, nothing good will happen. You can think that the Earth is flat and it seems like nothing. Thinking that women are witches and burning them is such a shame. Distorted reality can play a cruel joke. 3. To avoid making cognitive mistakes Cognitive distortions lie in the formation of poor self-esteem, an inferiority complex, fears, and dependence on the opinions of others. We think: “they might think badly of me” and change all our behavior to avoid this happened Stereotypical thinking, overestimation of one's qualities, excessive fixation - all these are cognitive errors that create problems :) 4. Analyzing one's mistakes and fears We all make mistakes. Some people immediately start thinking, “I’m a loser.” And off we go. And if you think (rationally), is the mistake due to a lack of knowledge and experience? No longer a loser, but still an inexperienced specialist. If we analyze our past experience, we will identify mechanisms that did not work correctly. Why didn't I succeed? What can be done differently? Golden questions of rational thinking, when we do not descend into emotions, but “turn on our heads.” When working with fears, a competent specialist will always ask: “Why are you so scared? What is the worst thing about this for you?” Using the technique of dialogue with yourself (notes of schizophrenia), you can break down your fear brick by brick and see that it’s not so scary. Spoiler: the coolest way to overcome fear is to think about it rationally (why am I so scared; what will happen, if this happens?)How does rational thinking help in solving problems?Easy! People's problems are cognitive distortions, excessive irrationality, errors in perception and many other jokes of the brain and psyche. Examples: Women are worse than men because they are women; nothing worked for me, although I tried 1 time; Mom said that I was bad and I believe it; if I say no, they will abandon me. When we use the method of logic and “think,” we begin to sort beliefs into shelves and check them for adequacy, reality, safety, etc. And here are some more questions that can be asked: Why is this so? Is it really? Why? Does this really threaten me badly? What will happen if this happens? Why am I scared, uncomfortable, bad? Why can’t I allow this? Do I have a right to my feelings and interests? Cognitive distortions do not always interfere with life. Yes, they create problems that