So, it’s Saturday morning. My husband connects his phone to the speakers so we can have a little extra fun while cleaning and cooking. I forget what song was on but I remember searching for meaning in every word they were singing. I began to look for ways to relate to the lyrics. I then realized that I was no longer listening to the music or having fun . I was in my head …overthinking.

Understanding Overthinking: Breaking Free from the Chains

Do you ever find yourself replaying conversations in your head and/or analyzing how your afterthought of a reaction could have impacted the outcome? Do you feel like your thoughts are turning into an inner tangential monologue of excessive unrelated thoughts that you have magically connected? If so, you're not alone. Overthinking is a common issue that many of us face, and it can be a real challenge to overcome. With a little creativity and a lot of support, you can break free from the chains of overthinking and find peace of mind.

The Effects of Overthinking on Mental Health and Well-being

Let's start by exploring what overthinking really means. Think of it like a movie that keeps playing on repeat in your head. Maybe it's a movie about a conversation you had with a friend, or a movie about a future event that hasn't even happened yet. Whatever the movie is about, it keeps playing over and over again, and you just can't seem to turn it off.

So, why does this happen? There are many different factors that can contribute to overthinking. Sometimes it's anxiety that's driving the bus, other times it's perfectionism or a lack of control. Whatever the cause may be, overthinking can have some pretty serious effects on your mental health and well-being.

Strategies to Overcome Overthinking: Embracing Mindfulness

There are strategies you can use to break the cycle of overthinking. One of the most effective strategies is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment and letting go of the past and future. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or practicing a quick meditation. More advanced techniques could include “body scanning” or “noting”. There are apps and some pretty good YouTube channels that I use myself.

Challenging Negative Thoughts: A Creative Approach

Another creative strategy is to challenge negative thoughts. This is common coping skill referred to as “thought stopping”. When you find yourself caught up in a cycle of negative thoughts, try to stop and focus on the facts and use positive affirmations to counteract those negative thoughts. For example, if you find yourself thinking, "I don’t know what I am doing” try telling yourself, "I trying to figure this out as fast as I can."

Setting Limits to Stop Overthinking: Giving Yourself Permission

It's also important to set limits for yourself when it comes to overthinking. Sometimes, you just need to give yourself permission to stop thinking and move on. For example, you could set a timer for three minutes and allow yourself to think about a situation during that time. Once the timer goes off, it's time to move on to something else. I find that writing it all down helps too but find what works for you.

Seeking Professional Help: The Power of Therapy

Of course, seeking professional help is always a great option as well. A therapist can help you develop creative coping strategies and work through the underlying issues that are contributing to your overthinking.

Conclusion: Overcoming Overthinking and Finding Peace of Mind

In conclusion, overthinking can be a real challenge, but it's possible to overcome it. So go ahead, try out some of these creative strategies and give yourself permission to let go of those repetitive thoughts. Remember, you are worthy, capable, and deserving of peace of mind.