A fast pace world that access technology on a 24/7 basis and that values and encourages over-doing, it is not surprisingly a world of high anxieties and over-worriers.
Overthinking is a natural response to being exhausted mentally and physically. It is a side effect of stress and over-stimulation. Thankfully, there are many solutions to stop overthinking and I intend to share 5 strategies with you in here. Make sure you also sign up for my free webinar on this subject.
#1 Write it down:
One of the best things to help the mind relax and release is by writing down all intrusive thoughts in a paper. You will be surprised to see how much “real state” you will gain back in your mind once you place all thoughts into a paper. Taking the time to process the thoughts somewhere physically away from the mind, gives the mind permission to move on from obsessive thinking.
#2 Come back to the present:
As you may have already noticed, when you are in overthinking mode, the majority of your thoughts are about the future or the past. Once you get into the “what if” thoughts can roll and grow in snowball effect. When this is happening, remind yourself to come back to the present moment. As soon as you catch your mind in the future or, rehashing the past, bring it to the here and now. An easy way to do that is by bringing awareness to your senses. What can you hear? What can you see?, what can you smell?
#3 Schedule time to relax:
Overthinking is a side effect of being highly stressed out. One of the best strategies to manage a highly stressed mind and body is by resting! Do not under estimate the power of a nap during the weekends, the importance of actually taking a lunch hour or, the phenomenal impact of none-doing for moments during the day. Being able to take a pause during your busy day is as powerful as pressing the reset button in your computer.
#4 Do not ask why!
The worse thing you can to an overly stimulated mind is to ask the question that has no answer; WHY? think about it, each time we ask why, we have one more question, and that one leads to another why. Instead of asking “why” ask something more helpful and that can actually be answered; What can I do about it? this question will acknowledge what is happening but rather than taking you down the rabbit whole like “why” would, asking “what can I do about it” will take you to concrete answers and will put a rest to the curious mind.
#5 Meditate:
A mind that overthinks is a wild mind. One of the most efficient ways to discipline the mind is through meditation. If you are new to meditation or, if you have never done it, listen to a guided meditation of your choice. Get in the habit of meditating on a regular basis. Help your wild mind become tamed and obedient. How long you meditate is not as relevant. Simply focus on implementing this practice into your daily routine and you will soon start to notice all the things that leave your mind and body with this simple technique. I welcome you to browse in my website for my free meditations, in there you will find all sorts of varieties.
I hope you give these techniques a chance. Remember that the only way to combat overthinking is by getting into new and healthier habits.
Thank you for reading, and continue to cultivate a happy mind.