Overthinking can be a debilitating habit that can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety in our lives. It can prevent us from making decisions, hinder our productivity, and impact our overall well-being. If you find yourself caught in the trap of overthinking, here are eight ways to help you break free from this cycle:
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness implies staying in the present moment and noticing your thoughts and emotions without judging. Through practicing mindfulness, you can learn to watch your thoughts without getting involved in them and, consequently, thinking less.
Challenge negative thoughts: When you realize you are overthinking, stop and question the thoughts that are driving this overthinking. Question whether these thoughts are fact-based or assumptions, and look for the evidence that contradicts them.
Set boundaries with your thoughts: Creating boundaries between your thoughts can keep them from spiraling out of control. Set aside particular times of the day to deal with your concerns and fears and reassure yourself that you are allowed to forget them at other times as well.
Engage in activities that bring you joy: You can even forget your negative thoughts and focus on something better by doing things you enjoy. Whether you're reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with your family, find activities that help you calm down and relax.
Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself should be your priority when dealing with overthinking. Prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, enough sleep, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Talk to a therapist: If overthinking largely affects your daily life, you can consult a therapist for help. Therapy can equip you with the tools and methods to control your overthinking and learn to have healthier thoughts.
Journaling: Expressing yourself through writing can assist you in working through your thoughts and feelings and help you identify your overthinking patterns. Journaling regularly will help you to find triggers, patterns, and potential solutions to overcome overthinking.
Practice gratitude: If you focus on what you are grateful for, it can help you move from a negative to a positive perspective. Spend some minutes each day to think of the things you are grateful for, no matter how small or big they are.
Along with these tips, some books can aid you in understanding and overcoming your overthinking. Some recommended books include "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, and "Mindset: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck.
Keep in mind, that overcoming overthinking is a process, so it might take some time and effort to break free of this habit. Through the implementation of these strategies regularly and seeking help when necessary, you can learn how to deal with your thoughts in a better way and lead a more balanced and peaceful life.
Written by - Ekta Sharma
It was really insightful