How to Stop Overthinking and Relax

How to Stop Overthinking Everything

Overthinking is common, and most people do it.

However, some people suffer from it. For those people, overthinking can feel like an endless torment with no way out. This may be a symptom of a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. It may also lead to mental health disorders, if left untreated.

If you’re reading this right now, chances are you’re an obsessive over-thinker and if that’s the case then you’re in the right place.

Here you will be provided with some of the tips on how to stop overthinking everything, allowing you to finally start living the life you deserve without having to excessively think about the most meaningless things.

Are you ready to learn how to stop overthinking and relax?

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

“Overthinking is parasitic. It’s viral. It’s deadly, even. Letting yourself fall victim to overthinking doesn’t just kill your happiness,  it destroys who you are. The mind is a beautiful and complex thing, and the only person who can hurt it is yourself.” – Genereux Philip

10 Tips to Stop Overthinking and Start Living Your Life

1. BECOME SELF-AWARE

It’s easy to find yourself thinking about something that may seem harmless and then suddenly find yourself lost in a sea of thoughts. When this happens, try your best to not be pulled in too deep into your thoughts. Although it may seem difficult at first, with time it will get a lot easier.

When you find yourself overthinking, push on the brakes and try to understand what caused you to start overthinking in the first place.

Could it be a subject?

A sudden emotion?

A specific person?

Or even a location?

To help you find what it is, you can also try writing down what was happening around the time you found yourself overthinking. You can also write down your thoughts, as you overthink.

By becoming more self-aware with what triggers your overthinking and what happens while you overthink in your mind, you’re presenting yourself with an opportunity to prevent it from happening again or from getting out-of-hand.

2. KEEP YOURSELF DISTRACTED

You may find that overthinking occurs more often, when you are lacking in activity.

By keeping yourself distracted you are automatically putting a stop to your intruding thoughts, preventing them from becoming more than they need to.

Keeping distracted may be different for everyone. Unlike others, you may choose to distract yourself by;

• learning a new skill
• engaging in physical activity
• taking up a new hobby such as painting
• helping others by perhaps volunteering for a local organisation.

When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with all of the thoughts that are filling your mind, to the point where you feel like it’s about to explode, it can be hard to find something to distract yourself. If that’s the case, pick a time of the day and set a timer for a short period of time.

During that time, try engaging in a random activity. Even if it’s just tidying up your room, eventually it will turn into a daily exercise.

3. LET GO OF THE PAST

Most of the time, over-thinkers tend to mostly focus on the past.

While most people understand that the past is over and done with, this is not so easy to accept for someone who overthinks.

Constantly thinking about what could have happened if things were done differently or putting too much thought in a tiny detail, would drain anyone of their energy.

If you are someone who overthinks about the past, perhaps it’s time to say goodbye to it.

Now, of course this won’t happen at the snap of a finger.

If you’re serious about letting go of the past, here are some tips that are guaranteed to help you move on and finally start living in the now:

– Decide that you are serious about letting go, you have to want to let go.

– Express your pain. Stop suppressing your emotions, don’t be afraid to feel.

– Stop blaming others and yourself. Forgive, accept and move on.

4. JUST BREATHE

If you’re an over-thinker, then you’re probably sick of hearing “just breathe”. However, the reason why it’s said so often is because it works.

This is because when you overthink, you start to feel overwhelmed and a way to decrease that feeling is by relaxing. This is something taking deep breaths can help with.

So, the next time you find yourself getting stuck in your own thoughts, try closing your eyes and taking deep breaths until you find your mind at ease. If you’re able to, find a quiet place to do this and put yourself in a comfortable position. As this will help you relax even faster.

5. TRY MEDITATING

If you’re losing control over your own thoughts, meditating may just become your best friend. It has been proven time and time again that meditating helps to improve mental health. So, if you have a few minutes to spare from your day, then investing that time in meditation may be a good idea.

If you’re not sure about where to begin, here is a little guide to meditating:

• Get in a comfortable position.
• Take a deep breath.
• When you’re ready, close your eyes.
• Notice your body, feel your breath and allow your mind to wonder.
• When you’re ready open your eyes.

6. BE THERE FOR OTHERS

So, you may be wondering how this will help you to stop overthinking and the answer is simple. This tip is very similar to tip number 2, keep yourself distracted.

However, the difference with this tip is you’re not only keeping yourself distracted, but you’re making yourself feel good in the process and helping a friend in need.

By feeling like you’ve had a positive impact on someone’s day, you are turning your negative thoughts into more positive ones. You are also taking time away from the never-ending stream of negative thinking, allowing your mind to be clearer.

7. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE

Constant negative thinking can have a huge impact on your everyday life.

It can destroy your self-esteem and drain you of your energy. Negative thoughts can be quite normal to have, but should not linger for a long period of time. Luckily, if you are someone who struggles with releasing negative thoughts there are some exercises you can do that can help.

One of the best ways to transition negative thinking into a more positive state is by making a list of something good. So, when you find yourself thinking negatively take out a notebook, a piece of paper or your notes app and make a list of 10 things you love.

You can also make a list of all of the things you are most proud of. Whatever you choose to base your list on, make sure it’s positive.

8. LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Overcoming your obsessive thinking won’t happen overnight and it won’t be an easy journey, but that’s okay because the journey will most definitely be worth it in the end. Overthinking steals far too much valuable time, it’s time to fight back.

When you find yourself overthinking, try your best to remain present in the moment and not get caught up in what’s going on in your mind.

You can do this by putting away technology and focus on something in the physical world, instead of behind a screen. Treat yourself to your favourite food, but make sure to also fuel your body with healthy food and some water.

Get some fresh air, even if it’s just by briefly poking your head out the window or sitting in your garden for a few minutes. Try your best to enjoy the present.

9. TAKE ACTION

You may find yourself overthinking about the fact that you haven’t yet done what you said you were going to do, these constant thoughts only put you down even more. Making you feel guilty for not being productive and accomplishing as much as you would hope.

If that’s the case, perhaps it’s time to think less and do more.

Take out your notebook or notes app and write down some goals and while you do so, imagine yourself completing these goals.

This will give your mind something else to focus on. Once you’ve done that close your eyes, take a deep breath, count to three, and go do what you said you were going to do. Preventing yourself from talking yourself out of it.

10. SHOW YOURSELF SOME COMPASSION

Everyone makes mistakes, it’s how we learn and grow. By accepting this mindset, you are allowing yourself to forgive yourself and move on. Instead of dwelling on the things you’ve done wrong and beating yourself up about it for far too long.

Some of the best ways you can show yourself a little compassion, include:

– Writing down your negative thoughts, instead of keeping them in. Lifting some weight off your
shoulders.
– Allowing yourself to feel what you need to feel, instead of forcing yourself to ignore your own body.
– Using positive affirmations, such as “I am enough” or “I am worthy”.

There you have it! I hope these 10 tips will help you stop overthinking and living your life to the fullest.