7 TECHNIQUES TO STOP OVERTHINKING (AND START LIVING)
7 Techniques to Stop Overthinking (and Start Living)
Overthinking—it's like that annoying song you can't get out of your head.
We've all been there, trapped in a loop of endless thoughts, dissecting every little detail of our day, our decisions, and our future.
Overthinking is often a coping mechanism, but it can become harmful when it leads to chronic stress or prevents someone from living in the present. Recognising the underlying cause can help in addressing it effectively.
Here are some top reasons that cause overthinking:
It can indicate several things, such as:
Anxiety: Overthinking is commonly associated with anxiety disorders. People who are anxious often struggle to stop ruminating on potential future events or past mistakes. They tend to focus on worst-case scenarios or overanalyse situations, which can amplify their anxiety.
Perfectionism: Those who are perfectionists may overthink decisions or actions because they fear making mistakes or being judged. They might dwell on small details or worry about outcomes that they cannot control.
Low self-esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem may overthink because they are overly concerned with how they are perceived by others. They might fear criticism or rejection, leading them to replay conversations or interactions in their minds.
Depression: Overthinking can also be a sign of depression, where people may find themselves stuck in negative thought patterns, replaying regrets, failures, or feelings of worthlessness.
Fear of the unknown: When someone feels uncertain about the future, they may overthink as a way to gain control. This is especially true for those who struggle with ambiguity or unpredictability.
Trauma or past experiences: If someone has experienced trauma or difficult past situations, they might overthink as a way to protect themselves from future harm or discomfort. This can be a way of attempting to avoid repeating painful experiences.
Difficulty making decisions: For people who find it hard to make choices, overthinking can be a way of delaying decisions. It stems from fear of making the wrong choice or facing consequences.
And here’s the thing.
Overthinking is rarely helpful and often counterproductive, especially when it becomes chronic or obsessive. While reflecting on decisions or analysing situations can sometimes be beneficial, there is a point where it turns into overthinking, which tends to have negative consequences.
The key difference between helpful thinking and overthinking lies in purpose and outcome. If thinking leads to productive actions or insights, it’s useful. But when it becomes repetitive and amplifies stress without solving anything, it shifts into the unhelpful realm of overthinking.
When you’re in a cycle of overthinking, try turning your thinking towards:
Constructive reflection: Taking time to think about a decision in a balanced way, considering the pros and cons, and reflecting on past experiences can be helpful. It allows you to learn from mistakes and make more informed decisions without becoming trapped in analysing.
Problem-solving mode: Thinking things through with a focus on actionable solutions is beneficial. This kind of thinking is intentional and goal-directed, not circular or obsessive.
So, how do you break free from the overthinking cycle? Here are six techniques to help you switch off the mental treadmill and get back to enjoying life.
1. Set a Time Limit for Your Thoughts
If you must think about something, set a timer. Give yourself, say, 10 minutes to mull it over, then when the timer goes off, that’s it—thinking time is done. This creates a boundary around your thoughts and prevents them from spiralling out of control. It's like saying to your brain, "You've had your moment, now let’s move on." If you can take it a step further, take some action or make a decision that will move you out of swirling thoughts.
2. Challenge Your Thoughts
Overthinking often stems from negative thoughts that are not entirely accurate. When you catch yourself in an overthinking spiral, take a step back and question those thoughts. Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” or “What evidence do I have to support this?” Often, you’ll find that your worries are exaggerated or not based in reality at all.
3. Understand the Root cause of overthinking
As mentioned above about the common reasons why someone might overthink, try and understand the root cause of your overthinking. Overthinking is often a sign of underlying emotional or psychological factors.
4. Be in the present
Overthinking often happens when we dwell on the past or worry about the future. By practising mindfulness, it is a great way to bring your attention back to the present moment and you can learn to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Try a simple breathing exercise: close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and slowly exhale. Focus on your breath, and whenever your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back.
5. Keep a Thought Journal
Sometimes, the best way to stop overthinking is to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Keeping a thought journal can help you process your thoughts and see them more clearly. When you write things down, you often realise that they’re not as big or scary as they seemed in your mind. Plus, it can be quite therapeutic to simply vent on the page.
6. Talk It Out
Sometimes, the best way to stop overthinking is to share your thoughts with someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, talking things through can help you gain perspective. Often, saying things out loud makes them seem less daunting, and a fresh perspective can offer solutions you hadn't considered.
Conclusion
Overthinking is something we all do from time to time, but it doesn’t have to control your life.
By using these techniques, you can start to take back control of your thoughts, reduce stress, and enjoy the present moment more. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate all thinking (that would be impossible), but to manage it in a way that serves you, rather than hinders you.
If you find yourself struggling to break free from the overthinking cycle, I’m here to help. As a life and leadership coach, I can guide you in developing the tools and mindset needed to manage your thoughts effectively and lead a more balanced, fulfilling life. Ready to take the next step? Let’s work together to create the clarity and direction you need.