Stop Overthinking

Hello friends, the majority of my life was spent overthinking (thinking about something too much or for too long.) It’s true, I’ll own it, I did that. When you hold onto, or constantly think about something, it can become overwhelming. Today I am sharing 6 steps to stop overthinking that work for me.

Overthinking develops over time, often a result of past experiences, anxiousness, and worry about the unknown.

I used to tell myself, “I’ve always been a worrier”. My mother started calling me cupcake when she would hear me express worry. She would say, “think about cupcakes instead” you are my cupcake (sweetie).

Overthinking is not the same as thinking things through in order to make a decision or evaluate a situation.

If you are overthinking things like I did (and occasionally still do) I hope you will find these six steps to stop overthinking helpful. Let’s take this journey together and change overthinking to positive thinking!

I believe the key to changing overthinking behavior is to recognize what’s causing you to overthink in the first place. Then take action to change your thinking. It doesn’t happen overnight but it can be done.

Like many of you I am a work in progress, perfectly imperfect and always working towards living my best life (thank you Oprah for that quote). So, for me, it took commitment to let go of a life of overthinking. My overthinking wasn’t necessarily about how others perceive me, it was most often about things beyond my control, not knowing what’s ahead, or things from my past.

• If you…..
• Can’t seem to stop thinking about things that haven’t happened yet.
• Fret over what others might think.
• Experience sleepless nights when your brain just won’t turn off.
• Worry about things and events completely out of your control.
• Find you are overthinking things about the past.
• Or, if your negative self-talk is beating yourself up with “coulda, woulda, shoulda” I hope this helps you to stop overthinking.

1-Words Have Power-

To overcome your overthinking, you need to first identify it, and then you can change your overthinking before it starts! Words have power. If you start overthinking something remind yourself, “I am in charge of my thoughts and emotions”. Using a positive affirmation works wonders too.

2- Let it Go-

Letting go of the past means you don’t let overthinking the past control your present. Don’t let negative things you have experienced in the past control your emotions. You must learn to forgive others and let go of your anger. I must admit I struggled with this. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time.

3- Live for today-

I know it may sound cliché but, replacing overthinking with gratitude and positive things in the moment shifts overthinking and allows for concentrating on the things you are most grateful for.

4- Do it Daily-

Daily meditation and prayer can help you to live for today, and live in the moment. This takes, practice, repetition, and commitment. It also allows you to “give it to God” (or your higher power) allowing you to remain unwavering in gratitude, and with no time for overthinking.

5- Ask-

Asking yourself “why do I overthink?” will enable more overthinking. Instead ask questions that are positive, for example- don’t ask, “why do I make such bad money decisions? “instead ask, “what research is needed before I make money decisions?” Asking questions in this manner will facilitate changes that will encourage you to move forward in a positive way without overthinking.

6- You are in Control-

You must acknowledge your ability to overcome negative emotions, and your power to control your thoughts before they become overwhelming and lead to overthinking. Focusing on positivity reminds you that you are in control and you can change your thinking to achieve a positive outcome and banish overthinking.

When you stop overthinking it can positively affect every aspect of your life.

Please share your thoughts on overthinking, or your experience with overthinking in the comments section.