Overthinking: Five Ways to Stop It in its Tracks

“You THINK too much!”

Has someone ever said that to you? Not very helpful is it?

Especially since there are so many things to think about. It’s bound to create stress which, as we know, is extremely detreimental to our health and wellbeing. As we approach what we have come to refer to as “the holiday season”, there’s a tendancy to perhaps become anxious about many things such as seeing family that you haven’t seen in a long time, the overall expectations of happiness and “joy” that holidays are typically thought to promote. Can some of that stress be caused by how we perceive the importance of our own thoughts?

For instance – Do you ever go over the same thoughts or situations repeatedly in your head? If so, you’re not alone – many people experience periods of overthinking. And while it’s normal to think things through every once in a while, it can be counterproductive and even harmful when it becomes a regular occurrence.

Let’s discuss five ways to stop overthinking in its tracks that may help set ourselves up for a healthy and happy season:

1. Recognize when you’re overthinking and identify the thoughts or situations triggering it. One of the first steps to stopping overthinking is knowing when it’s happening.

● Here are some examples of overthinking: For some people, overthinking occurs in specific situations, like when under pressure at work or dealing with a personal issue.

● It may be more general for others, like when they’re feeling anxious or stressed.

● Identifying the thoughts or situations that trigger your overthinking can help you be more aware of it happening and take steps to prevent it.

2. Write your thoughts to get them out of your head and onto paper. It’s helpful to write your thoughts when you’re overthinking. It can help to clear your head and allow you to see the situation more objectively.

● Writing things down can also help you identify any patterns in your thinking, such as negative thinking or self-doubt.

● If you overthink regularly, it may be helpful to keep a journal to track your thoughts and progress.

3. Give yourself time to calm down and relax before addressing the situation, causing overthinking. Once you’ve identified the thoughts or situations triggering your overthinking, it’s essential to give yourself time to calm down and relax before addressing them.

● It can help you think more clearly and make better decisions. There are many ways to relax. Here are some helpful ideas: Take a break from the situation that’s causing the overthinking and do something you enjoy.

● To relax, try some cardiovascular exercise, or a strength workout  , or maybe a swim in the pool. Practice deep breathing. Listen to calm music. Take a yoga class. Book a massage appointment. Try aromatherapy or take a warm bath or shower. Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal.

4. Talk to someone else about the situation – getting another perspective can help you see things more clearly. When you’re overthinking a problem, it’s helpful to talk to someone else about it. It can provide you with a different perspective and help you see things more clearly.

● It’s important to choose someone who will listen without judgment and who you can trust to be honest with you. It may also be helpful to talk to a professional, such as a therapist or counselor. Talking about your overthinking can help to reduce its frequency and intensity.

● If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, here are some helpful tips: Explain that you’re struggling with overthinking and would like to talk about it. Be honest about how you’re feeling and what’s going on in your mind.

● Ask the other person for their thoughts and opinions on the situation. Listen to what they have to say without judgment.

5. Learn to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or future. This can help you concentrate on everyday things and be more aware of your thoughts and feelings.

● It can help stop overthinking as it can help you see thoughts as just thoughts rather than getting caught up in them.

Overthinking can be a tough habit to break, but it is possible. By recognizing the thoughts and situations that trigger your overthinking, you can stop it in its tracks. Writing things down, talking to someone else about the situation, and using the elimination technique can help break the cycle of overthinking.

If you struggle with overthinking regularly, it may be helpful to keep a journal to track your thoughts and progress. Once you’ve identified the ideas or situations triggering your overthinking, it’s important to give yourself time to calm down and relax before addressing them. It can help you think more clearly and make better decisions.