The truth is everyone overthinks from time to time and it couldn’t be more evident at the moment when life is rather unsettling and we are having to process lockdowns, masks and our health in general. Our thoughts can be very powerful and often take over our minds, resulting in reality being distorted. It’s the process of constantly analysing and anguishing over our thoughts.
Like all habits, changing your thought patterns can be challenging. But with practise, there are things we can do to help ease our minds and train our brains to think differently. Here are a few tips to help.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Living in the present makes it basically impossible to think about what happened yesterday or to worry about what tomorrow might bring. Mindfulness will help you become aware of the here and now. Meditation is perhaps the best form of mindfulness, but often it can be about going for a walk or a run and taking in your surroundings for at least 10 minutes. Concentrate on the present and distract your mind from any worries.
2. Schedule a time to worry
It may seem different, but for some, scheduling a time to worry every day and then trying to not allow themselves to worry for the rest of the day really works. It gives you the chance to get it out of your system and can help the mind to relax and carry on with everyday tasks.
3. Write your thoughts down
This is another good way of getting your worries out in the open. Writing down your thoughts and concerns can be therapeutic. Opening up to yourself and jotting down your feelings reduces mental distress, anxiety and stress. This can help free up space in your mind to concentrate on other, more productive tasks.
4. Keep a gratitude journal
The flip slip to writing your worries down, is to concentrate on the positives surrounding you and focusing on what you are grateful for. Often a flip in mindset can help us so we don’t always default to negative thoughts.
5. Start your day off positively
This may sound simple but often the way we start our day, sets the tone for the rest of the day. Get up and start the day in whichever way makes you feel good. It could be 10 minutes of yoga, a walk around the block, meditation or a nutritious breakfast. Consuming negative information in the morning tends to lead to more discouraged thoughts throughout the day.