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Down a Rabbit Hole -The Impact of Assumptions on Your Stress

Updated: Aug 27, 2023


The Impact of Assumptions on Your Stress


Assumptions profoundly influence our stress, often leading us into a web of uncertainty and misinterpretation. When faced with ambiguous or unfamiliar situations, people tend to fill the gaps with assumptions, drawing on their subjective beliefs and past experiences. These assumptions can be tinged with negativity or unwarranted fear, triggering stress responses as individuals imagine worst-case scenarios.


Understanding Assumptions

Assumptions are integral to human thinking, often made unconsciously when encountering situations we don't fully understand. They serve as mental shortcuts to fill the gaps and make sense of the world. However, these shortcuts can lead to negative thought patterns, activating the fight-or-flight response and keeping our minds in a constant state of alertness.


The Distorting Power of Assumptions

Making assumptions without verifying the facts can create a mental narrative that doesn't align with reality. As assumptions take root, they distort our perception of the world. These personalised assessments hinder our control over situations as our brains filter out information that challenges our fixed thoughts. Consequently, assumptions can become self-fulfilling prophecies, guiding us towards predetermined conclusions that may not be accurate. Moreover, faulty assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and unnecessary worry, further adding to stress.


The Complexity of Subjectivity

We each have unique subjective thinking shaped by values, upbringing, needs, and past experiences. When combined with the assumption that others perceive the world as we do, we open the door to numerous errors in judgment. These assumptions create unnecessary complexity, heightening anxiety and stress and leaving us with a sense of helplessness.


The Pitfalls of Certainty

Trouble often arises when we believe we know what is happening, understand a situation, or can read others' minds. To avoid these pitfalls, practice fact-checking before jumping to conclusions. Have the courage to ask questions and be open to communication with others, clarifying your understanding of their perspectives.


Understanding the Varied Nature of Assumptions

Not all assumptions are equal; we must be aware of our biases and generalisations. Assumptions significantly influence how we experience states or situations. Challenging our assumptions daily is vital to finding balance and reducing stress.


Striving for Balanced Assumptions

While assumptions are a necessary part of life, we can strive to make better ones and regain balance. The first step is becoming aware of our tendency to make faulty assumptions. By recognising when we are making assumptions, we open the door to change. Take a moment to ask yourself, "What stories am I telling myself?" followed by, "What do I know to be true?" and learn to let go of the rest.


In Summary

By examining our assumptions and cultivating a more balanced perspective, we can effectively reduce stress and embrace a more harmonious approach to life. Being mindful of our thinking patterns empowers us to make better assumptions and navigate uncertainties more easily and resiliently.



"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know; it's what we know for sure, that isn't so."

Mark Twain.


This article is for information purposes only and should not be treated as a professional opinion or advice. The content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, accurate, or error-free and is not offered as a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a healthcare professional on your health needs; their guidance and approval are crucial for your well-being and safety. By reading this blog, you acknowledge and agree that any actions you take based on the provided information or channels are executed at your own risk.


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