How to Stop Overthinking? These 11 Tips Might Just Do The Trick!

Now, is overthinking one of your best skills ( JKhaha)? Ok, though one the surface of it, overthinking doesn’t sound bad but excessive thinking can lead many mental and physical problems. Clinically overthinking is referred to as rumination where it means “obsessional thinking involving excessive, repetitive thoughts or themes that interfere with other forms of mental activity. In fact, one of the most common thought overthinkers think is how to stop overthinking because it is not easy at all! When you overthink, your judgments get cloudy and your stress gets elevated. You spend too much time thinking that it becomes difficult to even take actions. 

Now, if you can relate to all the above-stated overthinker problems, don’t worry because you are not alone! Many of from the Beauty Insider Malaysia team are in the same territory to you. Again, re-thinking something in your head isn’t wrong it just worrying when that thought spirals out of control and interfere with getting your daily shit done. And when your thoughts are keeping you away from completing or enjoying life, that’s a sign you need help. To help you get off from the habit of overthinking, below we have gathered 11 simple tips on how to stop overthinking. 

1. Always Think of the Positive Side of Things

In most cases, overthinking is caused by a single emotion which is FEAR!. Extremely fear can lead to a very dark and shallow place which is not good for you mentally and emotionally So, instead of focusing on the negative things that might happen, start thinking of the good things that can happen. Visualize all the things that can go right and keep those thoughts present and upfront.

2. Go on A Digital Detox Break Once A Week

One of the easiest ways on how to stop overthinking is staying away from your phone because FOMO syndrome is a real b***ch. In case you didn’t know, FOMO is type anxiety missing out trending events that may currently be happening elsewhere. [eople with this syndrome are often aroused by posts seen on social media. Honestly, it is so stressful and the best way to get out of this is to go a once-a-week break from your phone and just relax your brain. 

3. Try Meditating At Least Once a Day

If you want to know nail the art of how to stop overthinking then get into Zen spirit! Jokes apart, mindful meditation can seriously reduce the intensity of rumination. Not just will it empty your mind and keep the heart at peace but meditating can also make you a calmer and happier person. With a positive mind and attitude, it is very unlikely that you gonna fall back into the overthinking path.

4. Be Aware Of Your Overthinking Problem

Now as weird as it sounds but one of the most effective ways on how to stop overthinking is to first realize that you have an overthinking problem. By addressing your problem you can honestly cope with your habit of overthinking better because you will be more aware of it when it’s happening. So, the next time you find yourself doubting, feeling stressed or anxious, step back and look at the situation and how you’re responding. Trust us, awareness is the seed of the change!

5. Keep Yourself Busy With Productive Activities

One of the main reason why people fall into the pattern of overthinking is that they have too much time in hand that their mind goes wandering. So, if you really want to help yourself get out of the overthinking trap then start investing your time in happy, positive, healthy alternatives. Activities like dancing, jogging, cooking, painting, knitting and such can distance you from all the other unnecessary issues.

6. Set A Timer For Yourself To Think 

Another highly effective way and often recommended by many psychologists on how to stop overthinking is to give yourself a time boundary. You can do this by setting a timer around 5-10 minutes to give yourself the time to think about what’s bothering and analyze. Once the timer goes off, spend another 5-10 minutes writing down all the things that are worrying you, Then, throw the paper out and move on to something fun that can keep you away from those problems!

7. Let Go of The Past and Live the Moment

As overthinkers we often focus too much on the past, expending energy on things like “what ifs” and “should haves.” But the reality is that the past can’t be changed. So, live the moment and enjoy the present time! Living in the moment is key to learning how to stop overthinking. We know you can’t just flip a switch and live in the moment but take a minute every now and then to reset, breathe and focus. This can help you retrain your brain to live in the moment and soon it will become a habit naturally.

8. Focus on Solutions Not the Problem

Identify your problems is important but what’s more important is finding solutions for the problem! For example, if your overthinking is caused by stress at work then perhaps it is about time you rethink your career path. Once you have identified your problem,  set goals for yourself, take those bold steps, make those big moves, and mostly trust your guts. Remember, no one controls your life but you!

9. Engage Yourself With Nature 

One of the fastest ways on how to stop overthinking is getting yourself out of where you are and to surrounding yourself with some trees, flowers, birds and basically nature. The next time you are overthinking try taking a walk outside and get a load of fresh air and greenies. The sound, smell and even colour of nature has a significant positive impact mentally. So. if currently, you feel very detached from nature, gues it’s time to rekindle the friendship again.  

10.  Just Freeze Yourself From Thinking

Found yourself overthinking again, then stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and focus on your breath without changing it. Take deep breathes, keep your shoulder and stomach tighten. As thoughts and feelings pop up, try to see them objectively, like you’re watching them on a movie screen. Continue breathing as normal, observing your thoughts until you feel settled enough to open your eyes and move on to all that stuff you have to do.

11.  Be Grateful and Love Yourself! 

Last but definitely not least on the best tips on how to stop overthinking is to be grateful for everything in life. As easy as it sounds, many do not this, We tend to keep our thought held at the mistakes in past and not allow ourselves rooms to grow. But it is now time to change, how you ask? Every morning or night, make a list of things that made you happy today and what you are grateful for. Keep the note with you and each time you feel down, re-visit your memories and you will realise the good things that are around you.