7 Ways How Not To Overthink

Did I say something rude during the conversation that I had 3 weeks ago with my friend? 

Didn’t I laugh out too loud the other day at the family party? 

Am I really worthy of being loved and liked by someone?

What if I end up being too harsh with my mates in my new office?

Are you someone who is bound by the habit of blocking your mind with all the above thoughts along with the other 10,000 thoughts and ideas of your mind? Do you tend to play the worst-case scenario of every situation in your mind? It’s okay. Pause. Breathe in and out.

For instance, let’s say an individual decides to learn how to drive a car but even before enrolling in a driving school they start thinking about whether they’ll be able to do it or not, what if they knock off somebody on the road, what if they are unable to manage the clutch, gear, and accelerator dynamics together, what if they meet an accident. Amidst all the what-ifs that an individual gets caught up in, the important ideas get lost. Like in this case, all that the person is overthinking about is the process that anyone and everyone who wants to learn driving will go through however for that one will have to enroll in a driving school first and not operate out of doubt and fear. 

Thinking is not bad as long as it gives you certain insights. However, when the same thinking starts taking the form of a fear that is not addressed and isn’t given enough consideration, it starts eating you up. It can become a block in multiple areas of your life including your career, relationships, workspace, family etc. Overthinking is a concept that kills your own potential of doing certain things. A self-made trap, anxiety, fear, and distress are all the byproducts of overthinking. 

Overthinking V/S Constant Worrying:

Overthinking is a subconscious process that functions through the conscious mind. Worry becomes excessive when it's persistent and uncontrollable as all the what-ifs and worst-case scenarios are the results of this constant worrying. 

7-Step Process to Not Overthink Things: 

Create a daily worry period: - Yes! Out of the 24 hours, allot yourself a particular time period where all you do is overthink. Sit with your thoughts and let those questions that are boggling up inside your mind come out one by one. It all starts with the first step. When you allow your thoughts a specific time and sit with them, the other hours of the day start getting productive.

Challenge Anxious Thoughts: - Every time that loop of thoughts starts taking a front seat, give yourself a break. Noting down all your thoughts in a journal and then challenging your irrational thoughts can be a therapeutic experience. 

Distinguish between Solvable and Unsolvable Worries: - Check with the issue that you are constantly worrying about. Is it solvable? Yes? Then why worry? Is it unsolvable? Yes? Then why worry? Ask yourself, “What else is possible?”

Interrupt the worry cycle: - Snap yourself out of the constant XYZ thought loop and distract yourself. Take a pause and give yourself that needed a breather.

Speak Up for Yourself: - Start talking about your worries. No one got it all sorted all by themselves and neither is any one of us perfect! Drop your guards and start talking even about the worries and ideas that seem the dumbest to you in your own head!

Simplify Tasks and Things: - Relieve your habit of over-complicating things. Life lies in the simplest of things. A new and fresh perspective of doing things not only opens your doors to possibilities but also clutter clears your mind of all the irrational thoughts.

Practice Mindfulness: - Live in the present. Start looking at situations from the bird’s eye perspective and then look for the solutions. Practice self-discipline techniques. Go barefoot walking outside on the grass, keep yourself well-hydrated, and play chants to be in a high-vibe space. 

Don’t worry about worries. If you feel drawn to something then do it. Else, just drop it. Instead of confining yourself inside a box, make a choice to expand your horizon and start focusing on what you love. However, with Happiness SOULutions, you are never alone in any of your journeys. Connect with us for a free consultation today and make your tomorrow free of your worries!

Healing, Growth, and Transformation,
Team Happiness SOULutions