5 tips on how to stop overthinking everything and take back control of your life

Just like all other habits, your self-harming thought patterns can be a challenge. However, with a strong will and consistent practice, you can train your brain to think more positively and escape the destructive patterns.

Here are 5 ways to stop overthinking and put your life back on track:

1. Acknowledge you’re doing it

The first key step in putting a stop to overthinking is to admit that you are a worrier.

It is incredibly difficult for us to admit we’ve got a problem – no matter if small or big. However, acknowledging that you overthink is the only way you will ever be able to handle this issue and make a change.

Next time you see yourself worrying excessively about something, hit the breaks. You don’t need to worry about the underlying cause just yet. Rather, face the fact that you might be overthinking the issue at hand.

A simple pause of acknowledgment can help you come back to reality and make the whole experience less overwhelming and scary.

2. Concentrate on solving the problem

Getting stuck thinking about your problems isn’t helping you – only looking for solutions is. If it is something you have at least some control of, think about how you can prevent the problem or challenge yourself to identify some possible solutions.

If it is something you don’t have control over – like a natural disaster – think about what you can do to cope with it. Focus more on the things you have control over, such as attitude and effort.

3. Distract yourself

You distract your brain from overthinking.

Don’t let those worries and thoughts take over your mind. One of the things you can do is immediately start doing something else as soon as you catch your brain going in that direction.

This could include keeping a journal, working out, reading a book, or catching up with a friend. Whatever you can do to get yourself out of that negative state, take the chance and do it.

You’ll be surprised at how quickly your thoughts will pass through when you do not give them the chance to take control.

4. Take some time to self-reflect

Focusing on your troubles for extensive periods of time won’t get you anywhere, but some reflection can be of great help. Thinking about how you could do certain things in a different way or recognizing potential pitfalls to your plan, for instance, can help you prepare for the future better.

Carve in some thinking time into your daily schedule. During that time, let yourself worry and think about whatever you want. Then, once you’re done, switch to something more productive. When you find yourself thinking too much outside of your scheduled time, remind yourself that you will continue later.

5. Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude is crucial for someone who overthinks everything.

Gratitude has numerous benefits in both psychological and physical ways. It can greatly improve your self-esteem and boost your overall mental strength.

Make a list of things you are grateful for every week. Gratitude can give you a fresh perspective on life, so the situations you’re overthinking about become less mentally taxing and overwhelming.

Once you take the time to think about all the things you’re grateful for, you will find that there are in fact fewer things in life that you should spend so much time worrying about.

Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know by joining the conversation in the comments and please share this article if you enjoyed the read.