23 ways to stop over-thinking - part 1
Overthinking feels like a constant barrage of thoughts creating a busy mind that never rests.
It means rethinking, dwelling on certain thoughts or possible outcomes and constantly anticipating situations and their possible outcomes.
It can mean an obsession with perfectionism, a feeling that a different decision should have been made, or an inability to make decisions.
Critical, analytical thinking is an excellent helpful skill. But overthinking takes this process to the extreme and causes anxiety and worry. It’s too much of a good thing.
Overthinking often happens to successful high functioning people. Part of what creates success is an ability to think and analyze.
But taken to the extreme, this type of activity causes “analysis paralysis”, continual re-questioning, and internal pressure to always make the “right decision” in every situation.
The theory “if some is good, more is even better” does not always hold true.
There is such a thing as too much – even of the things that make you great.
There is a healthy balance we can seek.
Grounding exercises, breath-work, stepping into action, and finding support through coaching and counselling can help you to stop overthinking.
Ways to Stop Overthinking
Here are some effective strategies that can help move you in the right direction and help stop overthinking.
1) Name it to Tame it
The next time you find yourself continuously going over things in your mind, take a moment to pause and put a name to what is happening.
“I may be overthinking this”
Then check in to physical feelings and emotions that are coming up with the thoughts. And name those too.
For example, you might notice “I am feeling tense”, “I’m feeling anxious”, “My stomach is in knots”.
