6 Effective Methods To Stop Overthinking Immediately

With the state of things in the past year and a global pandemic going on, our mindset has taken quite a toll. It can be very difficult to keep from overthinking and going down a dark hole of “what ifs” and “what’s next”. Keeping a mindset that is positive and productive can be a challenge during times like these, but the key is not to overthink things.

Overthinking is a normal part of the human experience, but some people tend to overthink more than others and this can lead to stress and anxiety. Not to mention, it can be difficult to fall and stay asleep. Overthinkers tend to look at what could go wrong rather than what could go right.

How To Stop Overthinking Immediately?

So how do you keep yourself on the right track and stop from overthinking? What is the best way to do this? How can you keep your mindset positive and stay healthy? This post will help you to figure out how to stop overthinking. We will take a look at some tips on how to stop overthinking and create a positive mindset.

If you have had a difficult time and tend to spiral into an overthinking frenzy due to the current state of the world, then this article is to you. Continue reading for some tips and tricks on calming your mind down and avoiding overthinking. Let’s get started.

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How To Stop Overthinking

If you are looking for the best ways to stop overthinking and start cultivating a positive mindset, then these tips will help you get there. Remember to take each day one at a time and be sure not to get down if thoughts pop into your mind that aren’t the type of positive thoughts that you are going for. Everyone will have these thoughts and continue to overthink sometimes. However, if you try these tips, you will see how well they can work for you.

This is a marathon, not a sprint, so please keep this in mind. It won’t all happen overnight. However, when you notice yourself beginning to overthink, try these tricks to calm your mind and prevent yourself from spiraling. Let’s take a look.

• Take 5 deep breaths

When your mind begins racing and you start overthinking, then stop what you are doing and take 5 deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to match your inhale with your exhale (you can even count your inhales and exhales to really get out of your head and focus on your breath). Turning your focus inward to your breath can create a calmness and get your mind to slow down. It will also keep your thoughts from racing and stop you from overthinking.

• Find a distraction

Rather than pouring over things that you can’t change, try distracting yourself with something that you enjoy. Perhaps you can start a new hobby, or distract yourself with one that you enjoy doing. You could try to learn something new by taking a class or self-study. You could even try crafting or making something with your hands. It can be difficult to throw yourself into something when your mind is racing, but if you give it an honest effort, you should be able to distract yourself and keep yourself from overthinking.

• Meditate

Meditation can be a powerful way to change your mindset and quiet the chatter going on in your head. It has been scientifically proven to declutter the mind and boost your serotonin and norepinephrine levels. This can help to neutralize depression and anxiety, quieting the mind. If you aren’t sure how to get started with meditation, then perhaps a guided meditation might be helpful.

• Do some yoga

Yoga has also been called moving meditation so, as you might imagine, it has many of the same benefits as meditation has on the mind. Yoga is a wonderful way to connect your body and mind, bringing your attention away from worries and putting your focus on the practice itself. Practicing yoga regularly is a great way to beat the habit of overthinking and bring you back to the present moment. When you are focused on the present moment, there is no way that you can be worried about the future or fretting about the past. You are only focused on the here and now, meaning that you can’t possibly be overthinking.

• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones

Yes, this may seem easier said than done. However, if you are able to recognize your negative thoughts and consciously switch your stream of consciousness to a positive way of thinking, then you can change your whole outlook on life. This includes being able to control your thought patterns and keep yourself from overthinking. Rather than worrying about negative things, you can focus on the positive things around you and are able to shift your mindset completely. Consciously switching out a negative thought for a positive one can truly change your whole life.

• Unplug and tune into your surroundings

Are you stuck in a pattern of overthinking? Put your phone away, get outside, and notice your surroundings. Pay attention to the beauty of nature, connect to your own thoughts, and enjoy the fresh air.

By unplugging and sitting with yourself, you are able to truly be present in the moment and quiet your mind. Don’t worry about what is going on in the world outside. Worry about your immediate surroundings and sit with yourself. You will be pleasantly surprised at how calming and soothing this can be.

If you are an overthinker, especially in today’s world, it is important to not let your mind spiral. By trying some (or all) of these tips and tricks, you should be able to quiet your mind down and stop overthinking. Rather than sitting with your thoughts and allowing them to go overboard, try to soothe your mind and not allow your thoughts to turn into overthinking.

While it can be difficult to turn your thoughts around and gain control over your mind, it is not impossible. Try these tips and tricks today and see for yourself how much of a difference they can really make.

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