
Loneliness Isn't the Problem—Your Thoughts Are
02/05/25 • 26 min
Pre-order my new book here and get over $900 worth of amazing bonuses (and a chance to work 1:1 with me!): https://helpinahurrybook.com/
Did you know that ruminating on loneliness is more linked to depression than actual loneliness? In this episode, we dive into the science of QZE—your brain's constant state of growth based on what you focus on—and how to shift your thoughts in the right direction. Learn how a simple "QZE Mindshift" using the Neurocycle can break the rumination-depression cycle and transform loneliness into meaningful connection. Tune in for practical steps and the surprising power of talking to strangers.
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode—it truly helps the show grow.
Sponsors making this episode possible:
-APOSTROPHE: Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/DRLEAF when you use our code: DRLEAF. That’s a savings of fifteen dollars! This code is only available to my listeners.
📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com
🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf
GET IN TOUCH:
🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf
💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf
*DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pre-order my new book here and get over $900 worth of amazing bonuses (and a chance to work 1:1 with me!): https://helpinahurrybook.com/
Did you know that ruminating on loneliness is more linked to depression than actual loneliness? In this episode, we dive into the science of QZE—your brain's constant state of growth based on what you focus on—and how to shift your thoughts in the right direction. Learn how a simple "QZE Mindshift" using the Neurocycle can break the rumination-depression cycle and transform loneliness into meaningful connection. Tune in for practical steps and the surprising power of talking to strangers.
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode—it truly helps the show grow.
Sponsors making this episode possible:
-APOSTROPHE: Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/DRLEAF when you use our code: DRLEAF. That’s a savings of fifteen dollars! This code is only available to my listeners.
📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com
🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf
GET IN TOUCH:
🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf
💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf
*DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

Moving past your PAST
Pre-order my new book here and get over $900 worth of amazing bonuses (and a chance to work 1:1 with me!): https://helpinahurrybook.com/
it’s time for some real talk. In this episode, I dive into a topic that hits close to home for so many of us — childhood trauma and how it shapes who we are today. Let’s face it, what we experience when we're young leaves a lasting impact on our mental, emotional, and even physical health. But here's the thing: just focusing on the bad stuff can keep us stuck in the past.
I break down the groundbreaking research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how they’re linked to long-term health issues. But I also shine a light on something just as important — Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and how they can help heal and build resilience, even if you've had a rough start in life.
Healing isn’t about ignoring the negative, but it’s also not about getting lost in it. I share practical tips like balancing your memories of the past and practicing the 3:1 thought ratio — a powerful tool to help shift your mindset when you're spiraling. Trust me, it works.
This conversation isn’t about pretending everything is perfect or magically fixing deep-rooted pain overnight. It’s about finding hope, healing, and rewriting your story in a way that empowers you to move forward. Let's tap into that incredible strength we all have and find balance on this journey.
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode—it truly helps the show grow.
Register for my annual New Years Brain Detox Challenge here: https://drleaf.com/pages/brain-detox-challenge
Sponsors making this episode possible:
-PUORI: add Puori (O3) to your routine now! And I have an amazing deal for you: right now you get an amazing 20% off, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Available when you visit my exclusive URL Puori.com/DRLEAF and use my promo code DRLEAF • Or save 20% off when you make a one-time purchase – still such great savings.
📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com
🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf
GET IN TOUCH:
🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf
💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf
*DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

Embrace Your Mortality to Truly Live
Pre-order my new book here and get over $900 worth of amazing bonuses (and a chance to work 1:1 with me!): https://helpinahurrybook.com/
New Year's resolutions? Overdone. Instead, imagine your deathbed. Inspired by a Wall Street Journal article on Panera Bread founder Ron Schaich, this episode explores the power of a premortem—a life audit that ensures you won’t wait until the end to decide if you’re proud of your life. From Buddhist teachings to Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks, I share how this practice reshaped my own priorities after a personal tragedy. What can you do in the next five years that you’ll respect looking back from your deathbed? Tune in for a perspective shift that just might change your life.
Sponsors making this episode possible:
-PUORI: I have an amazing deal for you: right now you get an amazing 20% off, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Available when you visit my exclusive URL Puori.com/DRLEAF and use my promo code DRLEAF • Or save 20% off when you make a one-time purchase – still such great savings.
-BIOPTIMIZERS MUSHROOM BREAKTHROUGH: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to BiOptimizers.com/drleaf and use code DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10%. And the great thing about BlOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee.
📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com
🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf
GET IN TOUCH:
🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf
💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf
*DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/the-dr-leaf-show-681653/loneliness-isnt-the-problemyour-thoughts-are-89957793"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to loneliness isn't the problem—your thoughts are on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy