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RNDM ADHD / FREE COMPANION5–10 minutes

Thought-loop reflection

Separate what happened from what you are guessing. Find one next step.

Date:

01 / Name the loop, briefly

One sentence is enough. Avoid writing a full replay of the event.

The thought I keep returning to

02 / Facts versus guesses

Facts are things you observed directly. Guesses are interpretations, predictions or other people’s thoughts you cannot know. Example: “No reply today” is an observation; “They are angry with me” is a guess.

What I actually observed

What I am guessing / predicting

03 / Is there an action available?

An action is something within your control, not a way to force certainty. Circle: YES / NOT NOW / NO. If yes, make it small. If not now, give it a time to revisit; if no, name what you can leave unresolved.

One next step OR what I can leave unanswered

When to act / revisit (if useful)

04 / Return to the present

Choose one ordinary, low-demand activity: drink water, look around the room, or return to a familiar task. You do not need to solve the thought before moving on.

What I will do for the next few minutes

A self-reflection sheet, not therapy, diagnosis or crisis support. You may leave any prompt blank. If writing makes things feel worse, pause and seek appropriate support.

adultadhdguides.com / One hard thing at a time.
Front cover of Fix Overthinking (The Loop): Stop mental spirals, quiet the noise, and get unstuck, by a RNDM Guide

The companion book

Fix Overthinking (The Loop)

A guide to repetitive thinking, rumination, indecision, mental spirals and getting unstuck.

Explore the book →