Overcoming Overthinking

Tips for a overcoming overthinking to give you a more peaceful mind

Overthinking is the act of thinking excessively about a problem or situation, often to the point of causing stress or anxiety. It can involve ruminating on past events or worrying excessively about future possibilities. This can lead to feelings of indecision, a lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating. It's a common phenomenon that can affect anyone, but can be particularly problematic for those with anxiety or mood disorders.
 
There are several signs that may indicate that someone is an overthinker:

1. Difficulty making decisions: Overthinkers may struggle to make decisions due to excessive analysis and rumination.
2. Constant worrying: Overthinkers may worry excessively about future events, past mistakes, or imagined scenarios.
3. Difficulty relaxing or sleeping: Overthinking can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, which can make it difficult to relax or fall asleep.
4. Difficulty concentrating: Overthinking can distract the mind, making it difficult to focus on the present moment.
5. Obsessive thoughts: Overthinkers may have repetitive thoughts that are difficult to stop or control.
6. Self-doubt: Overthinking can lead to self-doubt and self-criticism.

So, does this sound familiar? Everyone overthinks at some point in their lives, but when it becomes a consistent pattern and hinders daily activities, it's important to find ways to cope, and there are plenty ways that you can break the cycle of over thinking to take control of your thoughts.

Here are my top five self-help strategies for overcoming overthinking:

1. Keeping a perspective: Can you understand what’s ‘underneath’ the thinking? Is there a decision to be made? A challenge to over come? Writing down your thoughts can help you process them, organise them, gain perspective and even find a solution.
2. Practice breathing exercises: loop breathing, box breathing, nose breathing, or even simply deep breathing whilst holding your tummy and feel it go up and down, all can help you focus on the present moment and reduce rumination on the past or future.
3. Practice self hypnosis: Easy to do.. it’s simply using your imagination in a positive way, daydreaming, drifting off. I’ll share tips about this on another blog so look out for that, however simply sitting and allowing your mind/body to drift to a place and time where you felt relaxed and calm and happy can instantly change your mindset, emotions and feelings in your body. You can even future pace this, so imagine yourself in the future feeling this way, it’s a great tool for mentally rehearsing situations that you are nervous about. And when you can tie this in with breathing exercises it becomes even more powerful.
4. Distract yourself: Undertaking activities that you enjoy, such as exercise, hobbies, or socialising, can help take your mind off overthinking.
5. Challenge negative thoughts: Tell yourself to stop. Then identify and challenge negative thoughts or beliefs that are driving your overthinking - so give yourself a good positive talking to, be your own inner cheerleader!

It's worth noting that it may take time and effort to overcome overthinking, and it's important to be patient with yourself and to not get discouraged if you slip up or don't see immediate results.
 
Ultimately, If overthinking is affecting your daily life, it's important to seek professional help, so get in touch if you would like some advice or support.