If you’re an overthinking perfectionist, and quieting your mind does not come to you naturally you will love this blog post. This is me. Quieting my mind is one of the hardest things ever. However, it’s becomes easier as I implement the tips from this blog post in my routine.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved being entertained. My husband always say, “Sit still and rest your mind”, because mentally I’m always doing something. Even now binge watching a series on Netflix is a challenge for me because I’m easily bored. One way or another, my phone ends up in my hand.
Can you relate! Is it hard for you to shut your brain off? Whether it’s beating yourself up over a mistake or worrying about something that has not happened yet, your brain wanders from one thing to the other. All of this leaves you feeling mentally exhausted.
Here are a few ways you can put a stop to the overthinking and quiet your mind.
10 Ways To Stop Overthinking
1. Create A To-Do List
Write down everything you have to do for the day. Important task, emails to respond to, calls to return, school task for the kids, and chores. This will eliminate your mind from wandering off on what you have to do for the day. Plus, nothing is more satisfying than striking things out on your to-do list.
2. Clean Your Closet
Your closet is one of the first things you lay eyes on in the morning. When your closet is cluttered and messy it can start your day with overthinking. Take some time to tidy it up, use that time cleaning as therapy.
3. Speak Your Mind
Too many times we internalize things. Nothing is worst than rehashing thoughts that you could have avoided by saying what you feel. This is a part of choosing your battles. Some overthinking plagues are simply because we do not speak up. If no one is there to listen, write it down, talk about it on your socials, get feedback, etc.
4. Distract Yourself Into Happiness
It’s helpful to have a way to distract yourself with happy and positive alternatives. Things like creating something, learning a new hobby, smiling, saying affirmations, knitting, drawing, learning an instrument, can distance your from issues enough to shut down the overthinking.
5. Exercise
There are so many benefits to exercise, obviously it can do miracles for your body and mind. Especially movement centered around breathing and stretching, like yoga and pilates. Dance is one of my favorites as well (being that I have taught dance for almost 10 years). Dancing is contagious and it will help you forget all about those racing thoughts.
6. Force Yourself To Put The Phone Down
When overthinking it’s easy to look at your newsfeed as an escape, actually opening up the socials is like putting fuel on the overthinking fire. If you find yourself addicted to screen time check out these apps to help with overthinking and quieting your mind.
- Bloom
- Headspace
- Calm
- Colorfy
- Word Crossy
7. Find A Relaxing Playlist
Soothing tunes can help when you are overwhelmed with thoughts. One of my favorite playlist when feeling bombared with thoughts is the Bethel “Peace” playlist on Apple Music. A good playlist can help you leave your worries behind and unwind. This is guaranteed to help you feel calmer.
8. Meditate
Meditation is a powerful tool in combating overthinking. Sit with your legs crossed or with you back straight. Place your hands in your lap or on your thighs. Make sure that you are comfortable. Take a few deep breaths to stabilize your mind. Inhale and exhale. Focus on the rising and falling of your belly button.
9. Enjoy Nature
Getting out in the fresh air and sitting under the sunshine can do a world of good and slow down your racing thoughts. Take a break and get your blood pumping. Take a drive, lay in the sun, open your blinds, or take a walk. Sunlight/Vitamin D is guaranteed to get you out of your head quickly.
10. Give Yourself Grace
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Sometimes it’s ok to just sit in your feelings and give yourself time. Some days you can combat the overthinking with a workout, meditation, bathing, etc, but then other days you may curl up on the couch in defeat. It’s ok, we all heal differently. Give yourself time.
What helps you to stop overthinking and quiet your mind?
these are good tips