How to Stop Overthinking

Rose May Pimentel in Tips and Advices

Jun 11, 2020 • 3 min Read

Overthinking is simply the act of thinking about something too much or for too long. Overthinking is part of human nature – everyone overthinks sometimes. But overthinking can cause problems, spending too much time in the negative can is bad. It can be mentally exhausting, it can put your health and well-being at risk.

But you can overcome overthinking, you can train your brain to look at life from a different perspective. Check out the ways listed below from the Happiness Magazine to learn how to stop overthinking and start living:

1. Find the trigger

Overthinking is a habit, so there’ll be something that sends your brain into overthink mode. It could be at bedtime as you take stock of the day, or it could be asking yourself a “what if?” question, re-reading a journal, looking at family photos, etc.

2. Be aware of your response

Recognise anxiety as it appears and ask yourself if this is in your head or how productive these thoughts are. Will this way of thinking help you see things in a new light?

3. Identify the positive intention

We usually overthink because we want to protect ourselves, so think about what practical measures you need to take to achieve that.

4. Find useful distractions

Telling yourself “you shouldn’t think about that” may have the opposite effect (the “don’t think of an elephant” effect). The more you try to suppress those thoughts, the more nagging they become. Try to give your mind something else to focus on. This could be picking up a creative hobby that has a challenging element, working out, or calling a friend.

5. Dealing with ‘what ifs’

Train your mind to treat the ‘what ifs’ in creating best-case scenarios rather than dwell on the worse side.

6. Pay attention to what you consume

The information that enters our minds can contribute to the snowball effect of overthinking. It’s important to read/hear positive and constructive information at the start and/or end of the day to counter an overthinking habit.

7. Reflection vs obsession

As mentioned earlier, thinking about the past or future isn’t necessarily bad. But there’s a difference between reflecting and obsessing. This is an important distinction to stop overthinking. Choose a time to reflect on things that matter to you but don’t give your thoughts free rein. You can even set an alarm if necessary so you know when to stop. 

8. Relaxation techniques

You can try controlled breathing exercises to help your brain slow down and shift your attention somewhere other than your worries.

9. Live in the present

Mindfulness techniques can help you focus on the present and make the most of it, bringing enjoyment instead of the anxiety triggered by overthinking.

By utilizing some of the tips listed here and making them a part of your everyday life, you can start to find some peace and freedom from the things that plague your thoughts each day. So, stop worrying and start growing! Think positive! Enjoy life to the fullest!