Overthinking is when we keep thinking about something again and again without stopping. Overthinking is a common problem among many of us. When we overthink, we tend to focus on every little detail or think about the worst things that could happen which sometimes makes us feel even more anxious and overwhelmed.
Generally overthinking is not an issue to be worried about. However, when you are stuck in a negative thinking pattern continuously, it is obviously harmful to your overall health and well-being.
Overthinking can cause headaches and sleeping issues. Apart from that, overthinking can make our daily lives difficult by making it hard to get daily things done such as going to school or work.
There are many ways to fight overthinking. In this article, we are going to look into several practical methods to stop overthinking. So, let’s get going.
Contents
Practice Mindfulness
When we overthink, our thoughts are often based on something in the past or something that could happen in the future. Therefore, practicing mindfulness is an effective way to battle overthinking. A person who has practiced mindfulness is capable to keep his attention in the present moment. In other words, a such person can successfully observe his present thoughts without getting entangled in them by reacting unnecessarily.
Whenever you feel like you are going to be engaged in a constant cycle of thinking and worrying, you should immediately try to shift your focus to the present moment, and your current environment while having a sense of detachment and being non-judgmental. This focus shift must be a conscious decision that you need to take when you are engaged in overthinking until you have enough practice.
Also, when you focus on the present moment, you should be curious about what lies ahead in the very next moment which will further help you to maintain your focus continuously without breaking.
With enough practice and dedication, you will be able to achieve mindfulness gradually which will help greatly in stopping overthinking.
Challenge Your Thoughts
Whenever you identify that your mind is going to enter into a loop of negative thoughts, you can challenge those thoughts by questioning the accuracy and logic of those negative thoughts. Ask yourself whether there is enough evidence to support the negative thoughts that appear inside your head.
For instance, if you find yourself overthinking “I’m a failure because I’m bad at everything I do”, ask yourself whether this thought is accurate and logical. In such an instance, forcefully think of a moment that contradicts your negative thought. As an example, you can remember a time when someone praised you for a thing that you did great. Then you can argue with your negative thought that it is not accurate as it seems.
When you do this, you can reframe your perspective about your negative thinking patterns into a more positive outlook allowing you to battle overthinking effectively.
Reframe Your Thinking
Another good strategy to beat overthinking is by deliberately changing the way you think. It means that instead of keep thinking and worrying about what could go wrong, you need to redirect your thoughts to what could go right on purpose.
For instance, imagine that you are going to face a big interview that may decide your future if you succeed. Instead of constantly thinking and worrying about how bad your interview could go, try to redirect your thoughts on how you would behave if you successfully got through the interview.
Simultaneously, you can focus on positive things such as your strengths, abilities, and confidence and assure yourself that you are armed with weapons that can help you to be successful in whatever challenge, the world may throw at you. This will allow you to see that even in such a challenging time, you still have positive things at your hand.
Of course, there is no doubt that it is challenging to change your negative thinking patterns. However, you need to practice this consciously with effort, if you want to repel negative thinking patterns that lead to overthinking.
Stay Busy
When your mind is busy with something you love, you don’t get time to be overthinking. So, in a situation where you are having a problem or a tough time, it is important that you use your free time to concentrate on anything else that demands your attention but overthinking.
It could be anything from cooking, working on a project, or playing a sport that you like. Doing something that you love can shift you into a happier mindset while giving you a mental break from all the negative things.
Once you are done with your free time activity, you will be able to look at your problems with a clear mindset which sometimes may bless you with a perfect solution for your problem.
Seek Support
When you are trapped in a loop of thoughts that you cannot get rid of, sharing it with someone you know and trust, is also a good way to overcome overthinking. Doing this will make you feel less heavy and sometimes feel good as well. Plus, they may be able to offer you practical solutions for your problems since they know very well about you. So try out this option as well.
As an alternative to this, speaking to a mental health professional can also be effective. Professionals such as therapists or counselors are specifically trained to help people to manage their thoughts and emotion. They are there to support you by offering a non-judgmental and safe space for you to express your deepest thoughts and emotions.
To conclude the article, you need to gain control over your thoughts in order to beat overthinking. It is not an easy task for sure and I must mention that in order to eliminate overthinking, you need patience, time, and effort.
But by following and practicing the above steps I have mentioned, you will be able to successfully overcome your overthinking moments.
