“We often want it so badly that we ruin it before it begins. Overthinking. Fantasizing. Imagining. Expecting. Worrying. Doubting. Just let it naturally evolve.”
– Unknown

Life has been slow lately but in the most beautiful way. Nothing has necessarily changed in my life – I have just instead learned how to embrace the present moment and really be here. Be in the now. 

We are always ‘there’ right. You are physically there with your friends, or on that phone call or walk – but how often are you REALLY THERE? Embracing every second of every minute that is going on around you and being in that exact moment? Not thinking about something that happened at work two weeks ago or stressing about a situation that hasn’t even occurred yet – but being here, right now. 

It’s crazy how much your mind just wanders right! Just goes into its own world. Most of us, when left alone with our thoughts, end up overthinking ourselves into a never-ending cycle of stressful thoughts. It could be something that happened years ago or something that hasn’t even happened yet. Somehow though, human beings always find a way to worry.

I have recently started to take a step back in my own life and be more present in everything that I do, and I can truly say that it has had such a positive impact on my life. I haven’t been happier because of anything specific to say – but instead, I’m leaning into the moments that really matter. 

Through time and practice (because nothing happens overnight), I’ve been able to recognize when I am overthinking and bring myself back to the present moment. Reminding myself that I am in control of my own thoughts.

Here are 4 powerful tips to help you stop overthinking and live a more peaceful and happier life – 

Find a Distraction

Finding a distraction is one of the best ways to stop yourself from overthinking. This is because oftentimes, overthinking is a by-product of having free time. Every time you find yourself overthinking, do something you like and enjoy.

Instead of leaving an open window of time where you are prone to fall into toxic thought patterns, get in the habit of doing an activity.     

Doing something with my hands and being creative has been a saving grace for me over the past couple of months. Painting, drawing, and even gardening are great activities to not only keep you distracted but are also fun! You don’t need to be an expert in any of these things as it’s more about keeping yourself busy and leaning into what you are doing fully.  

When you are painting – notice the colours, the brush strokes, the smell, and the texture. Immerse yourself so incredibly deep in the moment that you forget why you were even stressing an hour ago. 

Here is my go-to colouring book and paint supplies:

Get it now: Colouring Book
Get it now: Paint Supplies

Live in the Moment

Now, this is easier said than done. There is not a switch you can turn on or off to start living in the moment. However, just the effort of trying to notice your surroundings and living in union with them can help you enough to break the toxic overthinking pattern and stop it in its tracks. 

With life filled with so many things to do it can sometimes get overwhelming to ever just really be here. That project you have due Monday, family members you need to call, bills to pay, bathroom to clean, email to send – whatever is, there is constantly something upcoming that we are thinking about. 

However, once you begin to realize that everything that has ever happened and everything that is going to happen, happened in the now. Once you understand this concept, it is a beautiful thing and when you truly start living. 

Eckhart Tolle does an amazing job of explaining this in his book, “Practicing The Power Of Now.” It’s a book that I love and so highly recommend reading. I always seem to come back to it because it is so powerful and even more fascinating every time I read it.  

Get It Here:
Practicing The PowerOf Now

Next, meditation is a great way for bringing awareness back to your body and focusing on the present moment. Taking deep breaths and focusing all your attention on the act of inhaling and exhaling will go such a long way. If you are new to meditation, there are tons of great books and apps to guide you on your meditation journey that I have listed below. 

Get it now: Meditation Book
Get it now: Meditation App

Figure Out The Root Cause Of Your Overthinking

There is always some kind of starting point that paves the way for the rest of your overthinking spiral. Every time you find yourself getting sucked into the endless maze of negative thoughts, stop them in their tracks and trace them back to where you initially started. 

This may be hard at first. However, with time, you will gain enough self-attention and awareness to successfully land at a root cause. And once that happens, you can then go on to finding the solutions.  

Journaling is the number one way to do this. If you aren’t at home and not close to your journal, pull out your phone and use your notes app. Getting your thoughts down on paper and letting them flow naturally and without any judgment is a great way to conquer overthinking.

Here are my favourite journals that I am currently using: 
Let That Sh*t Go
Hard Cover Notebook
Gratitude Journal

Focus on Solutions, Not the Problem

Your work does not stop after you have identified the root cause of your overthinking. In fact, this is where the real work begins.

Whatever you find the underlying reason for your overthinking is, find a way to counter it or solve it. For example, if you feel your overthinking is caused by your work, try setting up a meeting with your boss or maybe it’s as big as rethinking your career path. 

It may take a lot of courage to finally battle through your real issues, but it is necessary in cultivating a healthier mindset, which will help you lead a happier life. 

“While you were overthinking, you missed everything worth feeling.”
– Nitya Prakash

Like this blog?
Check out more like this:

How To Find Direction In Life When You Feel Lost & Stuck
6 Powerful Benefits Of Journaling 
How To Overcome The Fear Of Disappointing Others

Thanks for reading – 4 Powerful Tips To Stop Overthinking 

Rose x