“How to Stop Overthinking and Regain Mental Calm”
Many times we start thinking so much that even simple decisions seem difficult. It seems that analyzing the matter from all angles would be better. But in reality, overthinking keeps us stuck in indecision and anxiety.
When thoughts start to wander in our heads, try to divert our attention. Then think about the negative thoughts and see if they are right to think about them. Try to increase your self-confidence and improve your communication skills. These can help reduce overthinking.
What is overthinking?
Overthinking means thinking too much about a single issue. Sometimes analyzing it for a long time. This gets the mind stuck in one place. Only one thought keeps going in the head. Many people think that thinking too much will help you understand all aspects and make a good decision. But research says that overthinking can lead to mental problems like depression, anxiety, and stress disorder. We all overthink something from time to time. The same thing happens with an upcoming presentation, job interview, or important decision. To reduce excessive thinking, the first thing you need to do is to get out of this repetitive thinking and focus on the task.
How do you know if you are overthinking?
Not being able to focus on anything else
Not being able to relax
Worrying all the time
Thinking too much about things that are beyond your control
Feeling mentally exhausted
Drowning in negative thoughts
Repeatedly replaying past events
Having doubts even after making a decision
Imagining the terrible consequences of everything.
Why does this happen
Thinking about problems, not finding solutions
Excessive thinking only keeps you stuck in the problem. But it does not lead you to the solution. So when you have a problem or a challenge, think about it calmly. Try to find a solution. If you are immersed in thinking about the matter, the solution will not come.
Repeatedly thinking about the same thoughts
Repeatedly remembering the same event or conversation increases mental stress. It increases the risk of anxiety, lack of sleep, and other problems.
Difficulty making decisions
When time is wasted thinking about everything, even small decisions seem difficult. Unnecessary worries about where to eat, which hotel to stay in, etc. increase. So don’t think big about small things.
Regrets about your decisions
Many people think about decisions they made in the past over and over again. Why did I do this, maybe it would have been better if I had done that. This reduces self-confidence.
Its impact on life
Excessive worry is not a mental illness, but it can increase the risk of depression or anxiety, panic disorder. It also creates misunderstandings and instability in relationships. Misinterpreting other people’s words, repeatedly seeking reassurance, or trying to control others can damage relationships.
How to stop
Keep yourself busy with other things
If you are overthinking, take a break. Small tasks like walking, gardening, or housework can distract you. If you are thinking too much about something, try to find the root cause of why you are thinking about it.
Stop negative thinking
Not all thoughts are always true. Think about whether what you are thinking about is true or not. Is there evidence for what you are thinking about? Could there be another explanation for the matter? Practice thinking this way and changing the wrong idea to something positive.
Meditate
Even just ten minutes of meditation can help calm the mind. The goal of meditation is not to completely stop what you are thinking. The goal is to push the mind aside.
Learn to accept yourself
Instead of blaming yourself for mistakes, look at your good sides. Practice gratitude. Get help from people close to you.
Get help from a specialist if necessary
If you find it difficult to get out of it on your own, seek professional help. A psychologist or counselor can teach you the necessary techniques.
