Overthinking is necessarily act in order to do the right decision, but sometimes it has negative effects to our life.
According to Psychology Prof. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema (at the University of Michigan), overthinking often affects young and middle aged adults. There are also more women (about 57%) than man (about 43%) who think too much.
To avoid the negative effects of overthinking, you should learn how to quiet your mind and stay focused on things that really matters.
Keep in mind these quotes when you are in situation of overthinking:
- A quiet mind can hear intuition over fear.
- Do not ruin a new day by thinking about yesterday. Just let it go.
- Overthinking is the major culprit of unhappiness.
- Dear mind, please stop overthinking at night. I want to sleep.
- Stop overthinking, because you cannot control everything.
- Overthinking is like sitting in a rocking chair. It does give you something to do but it does not get you anywhere.
- Nothing can trouble you as much as your own thoughts.
- Overthinking is actually the art of creating problems that do not even exist.
- Do not worry about what can go wrong. Get excited about what can go right.
- Before you quit, try. Before you pray, forgive. Before you criticize, wait. Before you react, think. Before you talk, listen.
- You won’t be free until you free yourself from the prison of your own false thoughts.
Tips on How to Stop Overthinking
- Awareness is the beginning of change
Before you start addressing or coping with the situation of overthinking, you need to learn to be aware of it when it’s happening. Any time you feel stressed, anxious or doubting, take one step back and look at the situation carefully – in that moment of awareness you should make the decision that will change the things in your favor.
- Practice meditation
Meditation is like a mirror- it allows you to look deep down into who you are. Take at least 10 minutes for practicing meditation per day and you will witness huge improvement in reducing stress and your overall health.
- Keep saying peaceful words to yourself on a daily basis
Affirmations we tell ourselves can have a remarkable impact on our life experience. Negative thoughts will contribute to negative emotions and experiences, while positive ones will influence with positive feelings and happiness.
Here are some good examples of affirmations you should add to your daily routine:
“I want to live in the present moment as well as appreciate the beauty of what is going on today.”
“I won’t let my imagination show me disastrous futures.”
“I can decide what I’ll think about. I won’t let my thoughts control me.”