8 Simple But Effective Ways to Stop Overthinking

Is there anything that you have been thinking about too much and for too long now? Perhaps the most important decision of your life or might be just a normal thing that you’ve given much hype about unnecessarily, that you’ve lost control of it and now it causing a problem in your life, making you feel uncomfortable all the time even on your sleep and if you sleep somehow than on your dreams.

That hype is nothing but an overthought creation of your mind which we generally call overthinking. Here I’ll share some insights about the human mind and overthinking. Later I’ll discuss some simple ways to stop overthinking.

Before, let me say that thinking too much is completely normal, there’s nothing to worry about unless you make this a perpetual habit, which of course is bad.

Worries are a part of life and we all are a thinkers. We have to think before each and every step we take in our life. Our Thoughts decide the path.

How Many Thoughts a Human Mind Can Think?

The human mind is so powerful. It holds the capacity to create and discover thousands of powerful thoughts. Experts believe that the human mind thinks between 30000-70000 thoughts a day, which means roughly around 1500-3500 thoughts per hour. Now, this is really powerful and insane.

Obviously, you might not always be aware of this endless thinking. But one thing you must know is that most of them are completely useless, unimportant thoughts that cross your mind and affect your quality of thoughts, concentration, and inner peace.

As Osho said, “The human mind is a beautiful servant and a bad master”.

For instance, there is a strong chance that even if you’re reading this article then possibly your mind isn’t fully present here, you might be thinking about other things. Things like ‘What you said or did?’, ‘How you’ll perform at work, in relationships, at school or maybe you are overly concerned about something that is creating fear. And that’s how overthinking starts.

English Philosopher James Allen wrote,

A man thinks, so he is, as he continues to think so he remains.

Don’t stop thinking, watch all your thoughts but don’t get too close, and don’t give them too much attention otherwise, they’ll be stuck in your mind. Remain quiet. Because what if that thought is negative? A person who thinks all the time has nothing to think about except thoughts so he loses touch with reality.

Now I’m saying this because I’ve experienced this in the previous couple of months. I was thinking about anything all the time. Firstly, I think I’m a kinda philosopher or something but that is definitely not the case. I got myself into numerous problems, and negative thoughts took over my brain.

And later I discovered some simple and unique ways to get rid of these negative thoughts. Although the problems are still part of life. But these ways help you to remain calm and your mind healthy. I’ll tell you in a minute.

Begin With Self Acceptance

Before you read further you must do a self-analysis. Ask yourself:

1. Are you thinking too much about every situation?
2. Are you thinking negatively?
3. Are you feeling alone or lonely?
4. Are you living your day in perpetual Anxiety?

If that is the case then you must accept and admit it. You should know that you are struggling with overthinking disorder and anxiety. Because self-improvement begins with self-acceptance.

Why Do You Need to Stop Overthinking?

Creates Fear

We all know that fear steals all the great experiences of one’s life. Negative thoughts and anxiety carry the fear that crosses your mind every time you are overly concerned. I agree that fear is common, everyone has a fear of something. But for overthinkers, most fears are the creation of the mind. It is fear that lies.

Anxiety and Depression

These are the common problems associated with the habit of overthinking. One can easily get anxiety issues if he overthinks too much all the time. Depression may be the consequence of being stuck in the past which creates unproductive thoughts. Although this may not always be the case.

Affects Decision-Making Ability

Your positive and quality thoughts may get lost within your overly concerned mind full of unproductive and negative thoughts. It can clearly affect the ability of a person to make the right and quick decision making.

Makes You Uncomfortable

Overthinking makes your mental fatigue as a result you may feel uncomfortable all the time even in your sleep. It degrades the mood and quality of life.

Insomnia

It is a chronic sleeping disorder that may cause stress and concerns which make your mind active even at night, making it difficult to sleep. This may result in a change in behaviour, confusion, and poor coordination.

Affects Relationship Negatively

Perpetual overthinking makes your mind restless. It can disturb a healthy relationship. You may feel alone or lonely. That’s why it is advised that don’t let your thoughts go out of control.

I must say that if you want to get rid of these overthinking habits then Meditation, Yoga, and Excercise are still the best way among all ways out there. It helps you to look deep down into who you are and how things are going.

However, these 8 ways I tried by myself and it really helped me and I think you must try them too.

8 Simple But Effective Ways to Stop Overthinking

1. Stop Judging Yourself

As you know now the Human mind is a beautiful servant and a bad master. Most of the thoughts you think are negative. You should not overlook the negative judgment coming from yourself. Failure in one situation doesn’t mean that you are a failure in general. Don’t believe your negative thoughts instead focus on the positives about yourself. Find new ways to deal with things.

2. Don’t Feel Alone

If you feel that you are alone and you think too much about it, then you really need to know the difference between Being Alone and Being Lonely. Because being alone doesn’t always mean only sadness or hatred. Alone or lonely may not be the same chapter.

Recently we posted an article about Alone and Lonely and that got a huge spike among the readers, which clearly shows how much people are concerned about themselves. We suggest you read Are you alone?

3. Focus on ‘What Is’ Instead of ‘What If’

Try to reduce the ‘What If’ scenario. Although it’s good to think about future consequences and prepare yourself much before. But again don’t get overly concerned about it. Take a break.

Putting more focus on ‘What Is’ means trying to learn new things and gain more knowledge about your field. Maybe sooner or later it’ll help you.

4. Realize that the Future is Unpredictable

Thinking about the future all the time is unproductive. We all know that we can’t predict the future, so no one knows what the future holds for them. Being overly concerned about something is a waste of time. Do something productive that gives you joy and helps you in the long run.

5. Talk to Your Loved Ones Without Hesitation

This is one of the best ways to relieve your overly concerned mind. Talk to people who are close to you and trust you without hesitation. Sharing thoughts with others reduces the burden that the brain is carrying for so long. It’ll provide relief that your loved ones care for you. It’ll also help in building up a strong relationship and trust.

6. Spend Time With Your Pets

If you own a pet then it’s really good for you. Spend some quality time with your pets, and take a walk with them. Their unconditional love will make you forget every concern or unnecessary thought you are holding on to. And you are all they have. So, it’ll be really good for them too.

7. Watch Some Quality Movies

Watching quality movies will make you feel better. My recommendation is always for Science Fiction movies. Sometimes a character in a movie scene helps you to understand yourself better.

It’s Cinema Therapy. People watch movies just for the sake of watching but for some people, it can change the way of think, and feel. It gives you a break from whatever is bothering you. Stories offer us a different perspective and help us understand and make sense of the world.

8. Plugin Your Earphones

If something is bothering you and you are overthinking about it then just simply plug in your earphones and forget all the worries around you for a while. Listen to meditational and calm music and you’ll find yourself releasing stress through the power of music.

There are a lot of other ways that you can do like writing down your positive thoughts, changing your environment, taking a healthy sleep, putting things into perspective, acknowledging your success, and Being Grateful.

Overthinking can happen to anyone that is why you must control it before it controls you. Don’t fall for the substances that seek to numb the mind and help you forget everything. We buy things for a materialistic boost of happiness.

Instead, you can adopt these simple but effective ways to stop overthinking and turn your negative thoughts and stress into something useful and productive.

Thanks for reading. Do like and share. Let me know what you think about overthinking and your ways to control it.

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