How to Stop Overthinking:
If you think you’re the only one that overthinks, you need another think coming for this one. But for everything else, you can put your brain and mind at ease by stopping yourself from indulging in the habit of overthinking. It can be easy to live with the illusion of control, certainty or perfectionism that comes with overthinking. It’s also part fun to be infatuated with someone and entertain intrusive thoughts all day. However, too much of this and you’ll be affecting your health and wellbeing.
- Don’t Quit Cold Turkey
Give yourself a worry period – say 30 minutes each day. Take this time to indulge in worrying, being infatuated, second-guessing everything, the works. But once you’re done, no more of it for the rest of the day!
- Finish With A Solution
For every worry that you have, think of the worst-case scenario. Imagine what you would do if that really happened. For example, if you lose your job, you’ll update your resume and apply elsewhere. Apply this thought process to all that is bothering you.
- Address The Problem
Are you ruminating all the time about your partner and what they meant by their words or actions? Maybe it’s not as bad as you think it is, and you’ll never know if you keep the thoughts to yourself. Communicate openly to get your answers and put the overthinking to an end.
- Find The Positives
There’s something good in everything, so seek the same and focus on it. Are you obsessing over being in a relationship? Why not channel the extra time and energy you have now into doing things you love!
- Look At The Bigger Picture
Trivial issues matter only in our head, and guess what, in a year or two or five, they won’t even matter to you!
- Challenge Negativity
Don’t let negative thoughts take over. There is always an alternative possible, so think about it. Realize that failure is not final, and that each day is an opportunity to turn your life around.
- Distract Yourself
Be mindful of when you start giving into negative thoughts. Once you realize that you’re wasting your resources again, occupy your mind with something else. This could be a hobby such as reading an interesting book, coloring, gardening, spending time with animals, or simply calling up a loved one.
- Learn Acceptance
You can’t predict the future, and worrying isn’t going to change anything. You can only make a difference by bettering yourself and giving your best each day. Love yourself, and don’t value yourself based on external validation.