Oct 30, 2020
Is it hard for you to get out of your head? Do you tend to overthink things?
I will tell you that I can relate!
I have always been a "thinker" of sorts. However, I will admit that many times in my life, my thinking takes on a whole other level of constant thinking and it can be exhausting!
The definition of over-thinking is, "To think about something too much for too long." You know, we weren't born over-thinkers. We all have patterns of behavior that develop over time and are learned due to our life experiences. And, just like they are learned, they can also be unlearned.
If you find yourself, picking apart what you said or did the day before, playing several scenarios in your head of what may happen, not sleeping well at night because those thoughts keep swirling in your head, then you may be someone who over-thinks things.
As humans, we are generally not okay with not knowing the outcome of something. Uncertainty is not our friend. Therefore, we over-think in a desperate attempt to find the answers because we all want and like certainty and control.
The second the thoughts come up, notice them. Awareness is the greatest gift we have at our disposition to change our lives. Become the observer of the thought, and ask yourself, What Am I Thinking? (W.A.I.T.) By doing this you give yourself some space between you and the thought, and thus reduce the energy it contains.
A good percentage of the time, that which we ruminate over and worry about never comes true. So, acknowledge the thoughts and what it is you're feeling, and then shift your focus on the truth.
For example, you might be over-thinking something you said to a friend and now feel that she may have taken it wrong and never speak to you again. Take a moment to write down the following:
I am Thinking/Feeling: That what I said to my friend yesterday will cause her to get upset and end our friendship.
But the Truth is: That this might be how I'm perceiving things and not how she interpreted what I said. We have a strong friendship and if she was upset, she would speak with me about it.
When you're focused on the present moment, it's hard to rehash what happened yesterday or worry about what will happen tomorrow.
The practice of mindfulness allows you to be present by paying attention on purpose without judgement.
This practice can be a lifesaver for over-thinking! Practicing mindfulness can help you be more aware of your thoughts and respond more calmly to them without allowing them to spiral out of control.
If you're thinking to yourself, this is helpful information, but what is the easiest way to put this into practice and make a real change in my over-thinking?
If you’re ready to get clear, tame your thoughts, and live in peace, access my FREE Clarity Mini-Course.
