4 Methods To Stop Overthinking

Aug 16, 2018 by apost team

How many times have you found yourself lying awake at night because you couldn't stop overthinking? You might find yourself obsessing over things that might happen, or things that you might have done differently, or worries about what other people are thinking of you.

Overthinking will do nothing but cause you unhappiness. It creates problems that didn't even exist before, and it causes you to experience unnecessary worry and fear. Many times, you'll convince yourself that your overthinking is a form of self-protection. But you're just keeping yourself from enjoying the current moment. These four methods can help you stop overthinking:

As a society, we've become obsessed with worrying - obsessed with obsession! We let negative thoughts and overthinking to take over our lives. Instead of thinking about bad things that could happen, or things you're upset about, try shifting your focus to things that make you happy. It's important to retrain your brain to relate positively to your surroundings. Even if it doesn't feel like it comes naturally, you should still give it a try. You'll help make your mindset more positive one little thought at a time.

If you find yourself overthinking and obsessing, you should take a moment to look around you. Think of at least three positive things that are happening. Maybe you're in a warm bed in a peaceful home. Maybe you're in public and getting to see other people living their lives. It doesn't matter. You just need to find three positive things.

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Take a moment to pause reading this article. Look inside your brain. What thoughts are you seeing? Are they negative thoughts or positive ones? You might find that you're overthinking regarding the things you have to get done during the day, or things that people said that upset you, or possibly even unhappy thoughts about your self-worth.

If this is the case, don't feel bad. That's just another negative emotion. Negativity is all around us, so keeping our mindset positive can be difficult. But you should try to start countering your negative thoughts with peaceful mantras. Repeat positive, calming words such as: Breeze. Love. Light. Peaceful. Tranquility. Serenity. Calm. Focusing on these words will help take you out of the negative thought spirals.

Too many people are obsessed with worrying about the future or regretting the past, and they never get a chance to experience the present moment. Put aside your worries about the errands you need to run, or the bills that are due, or whatever uncertainty your future currently holds. Ruminating on these thoughts doesn't help you, because you can't change any of these things. It just takes you out of your life. Practice observing the current moment and paying attention to what's going on around you.

Humans have been communing with nature since the dawn of time. If your mind can't stop going over the things you feel you should worry about, you should spend some time in nature. It will help quiet your busy thoughts. You might go on a hiking trail, or if you live in an urban area, head to a local park during your lunch break. Go somewhere there's green plants and ground yourself.

What strategies do you use to stop overthinking before it harms you? Do you know someone who is an overthinker? Then pass this article to them. Let us know if you have tried any of these tips and if they help!