7 Things We Can Do To Stop Overthinking
Overthinking is not good for mental health and can feel like a constant-negative thought pattern that depletes your energy and holds you back. It’s not just exhausting mentally and anxiously; it brings many more problems. If you need to stop overthinking, here are some ways:
1.Become Aware
Do you go over and over things in your head with negative thoughts? So often, overthinking becomes a habit so ingrained that we barely know we’re doing it anymore. To break that cycle is to first become aware.
Tip: Be grounded in your body. Try the 4–7–7 breathing technique: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, breathe out for 7. Such an awareness might be a first approach towards changing one’s mind.
2. Focus on Productive Problem-Solving
Do you find yourself spending too much time wondering “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios? Unconstructive thinking like “If I do this then something bad will. “happen”usually originates from fear. Instead of being stuck on endless possibilities, think about what you can do to solve it. Ask yourself, “What do I do now?” This will then redirect your thoughts into something more productive.
3. Schedule Self-Reflection Time
Sitting and stewing will not resolve problems. But giving yourself time to reflect on certain challenges may give you a different angle for looking at them, and you might be able to figure out where things went wrong.
4. Change Lanes
Tell yourself as much as you can to “stop overthinking,” and probably the more you are going to be thinking about it. Every time you catch yourself uttering those words, try to dislodge your head with something else: hobby, exercise, or friends. Not only will you feel better, but that constant flow of negative thoughts will stop.
5. Look at the Bigger Picture
Are you focusing too much on things that will not matter in a week, a month, or even a year? Whenever you find yourself in overthinking, ask yourself questions like, “Will this matter five years from now?” Chances are, it won’t. Asking those questions puts perspective and shifts the focus.
6. Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism brings along with it fear-think about it so much and puts a lid on you from moving forward. Instead of perfect, remind yourself that “done” is better than perfect. Perfection limits your actions and builds extra pressure; look out for when it holds you back, as you are more than good enough. Practice self-compassion and write some positive affirmations.
7. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude will help you to think from problems to possibilities and then open the door of acceptance and growth. It will break that cycle of negative thinking. Think about the things you are grateful for, and it will prevent you from falling into overthinking. Try writing down some things that went well recently. You start seeing your successes, no matter how minute they are, you start realising that you’re achieving more than you think. At times when life gets overwhelming, refer to this list and keep your thoughts ground.
In Conclusion:
Overthinking is exhausting; however, stepping away, breathing, and changing attention can really help you regain control. And if you have had enough, do not hesitate to ask for help, because these tips may give you an insight into the ways in which you might stop overthinking and get hold of your mind again. Have any of these strategies worked for you? Please let us know in the comments
