The ability to think is a wonderful tool that can also become very harmful. I definitely have the tendency to overthink when push comes to shove. Recently, I have noticed myself doing it more often with the realization that come fall 2014 I will not be headed back to what I have known for years, school. The good news is though that overthinking is something that we can overcome!
For a while now I have been interested to see if there were any tips or tricks out there to help us overthinkers. It just so happened a few days ago that I stumbled upon (and I mean literally, I was on the site StumbleUpon) an article that's topic was such. I hope you all find these helpful too!
1. Put things into a wider perspective.
Stop and ask...will it matter in a week? a month? a year? 5 years? 10 years? A lot of the time we end up placing value on minor objects that will not be largely important down the road.
2. Set short time limits for decisions.
When you have too much time your mind has the opportunity to constantly debate things. However, by setting a deadline - and holding yourself to it - you are forced to stop the wheels and take action.
3. Become a person of action.
1. Put things into a wider perspective.
Stop and ask...will it matter in a week? a month? a year? 5 years? 10 years? A lot of the time we end up placing value on minor objects that will not be largely important down the road.
2. Set short time limits for decisions.
When you have too much time your mind has the opportunity to constantly debate things. However, by setting a deadline - and holding yourself to it - you are forced to stop the wheels and take action.
3. Become a person of action.
If you eliminate the element of procrastination, you then reduce your chances of second guessing.
4. Realize that you cannot control everything.
Trying to reach perfection can cause you to think, re-think and think again. It's important to remember making mistakes and or failing are part of life. Personally, this is something I have to work at regularly. I always feel I have to make sure everything is on-point before I put it to bed.
5. Say stop in situations where you know you cannot think straight.
Our minds tend to run at the worse times possible. If you are in a situation, physically or emotionally, where you are not able think clearly you have the power to tell yourself "no, not now."
6. Do not get lost in vague fears.
Vague fears are the "what if" thoughts that occur when we think about possible outcomes of scenarios. Life is full of unknowns and it's impossible to have all the answers.
7. Workout.
A great way to take your mind off things for a little while is doing some type of physical activity.
8. Spend more of your time in the present moment.
Honestly, probably one of the hardest of them all. Stop thinking about the past and what should of been done differently. Stop worrying about the future and what could be. Be in the here and now.
4. Realize that you cannot control everything.
Trying to reach perfection can cause you to think, re-think and think again. It's important to remember making mistakes and or failing are part of life. Personally, this is something I have to work at regularly. I always feel I have to make sure everything is on-point before I put it to bed.
5. Say stop in situations where you know you cannot think straight.
Our minds tend to run at the worse times possible. If you are in a situation, physically or emotionally, where you are not able think clearly you have the power to tell yourself "no, not now."
6. Do not get lost in vague fears.
Vague fears are the "what if" thoughts that occur when we think about possible outcomes of scenarios. Life is full of unknowns and it's impossible to have all the answers.
7. Workout.
A great way to take your mind off things for a little while is doing some type of physical activity.
8. Spend more of your time in the present moment.
Honestly, probably one of the hardest of them all. Stop thinking about the past and what should of been done differently. Stop worrying about the future and what could be. Be in the here and now.
Questions of the Day:
1) Are you a person who thinks too much?
2) What do you do presently to stop overthinking?
3) Which items above do you feel would be most helpful?
❤ Nichole ❤
I can relate to this post so much I found it really helpful. I'm such a perfectionist and can never make a decision because I overthink so much! Thank you for this!
ReplyDeletehellomissjordan.blogspot.co.uk xxx
I'm so happy you found it useful! I'm with you on being a perfectionist!
DeleteThis is such a great post-- I feel like I say that on every post-- but really, it is! One other thing I try and do if I seem to be over-thinking something is to give it a night's sleep! Like 95% of the time, the next day it doesn't seem as bad as I was thinking the day before!
ReplyDeleteI love that! Such a great idea just to sleep on it and see if it seems as urgent or crucial the next day.
DeleteI always think about if it will matter in a week or so, or 'it's done, can't change it' or if I was to look back at myself, what would I tell myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm a massive over thinker too.
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I really like how you said "it's done, can't change it." That's helped me a lot with things in the past when trying to make them into lessons.
DeleteStory of my life! Stress and over thinking just goes hand in hand with me, isn't so good when it comes to house buying either. Wah.
ReplyDeleteAwe:(( I hope some of these may be able to help even if just a little! Totally agree that stress and over-thinking can tend to go hand in hand.
DeleteOverthinking can definitely get the better of me, but I've gotten a lot better with it as I've gotten older. I think one of the biggest things that helped me was the realization that I'm not in control and that there are so many factors out there that determine things for me. This was a hard pill to swallow for my control-freak self, but also extremely freeing at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a hard pill to swallow… The realization that I cannot control everything really hit me when I was going through some of my health struggles. I like how you described it equally as freeing though, it really it.
DeleteI constantly overthink things especially when I'm at work and doing the same task over and over again. Trying to stop myself from doing it is difficult but I am now telling myself to stop and that overthinking is not worth it. I just need something else to distract my attention!
ReplyDeleteRaise The Waves
It can be SO difficult. Keeping the mind busy and working certainly does do the trick though. For me however its finding the right tasks that will keep my mind occupied!
DeleteGood topic Nichole, as I am definitely one of those over-thinkers. Love your advice, especially #7 as there is something about exercise that allows me to clear my mind and make a rational decision.
ReplyDeleteFor me what also works is writing things down. Sometimes if I list and then can look at the potential positives and negatives of with each possible solution, it adds clarity to what was a convoluted decision.
Yea! Exercise has always been a type of escape for me! I love the idea of a pro con list! Getting things out there in print really can help organize them.
DeleteLove this post! I'm known as the "queen of overthinking" to all of my friends, so I can totally relate to this! Whenever I find myself jumping to the worst case scenario, I always try to step back and put life in perspective. It's definitely easier said than done, but it helps a bit! You're tips are awesome, thanks so much for this!
ReplyDeleteGood for you girl ! It's not easy at all, but the fact you even try to stop yourself and take a step back is awesome. Keep it up and you'll find it becoming easier and easier I'm sure!
DeleteThis is so relevant! I definitely need to try some of these tips.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know, as well, that I've nominated your blog for a Liebster award - all of the details and everything are just at http://everywhereplease.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/the-liebster-award.html :) I'm really enjoying reading your posts! xx
I hope they are useful for you! And thank you so much for the nomination!! I really appreciate it:)) I'll go check it out asap!
DeleteAs embarrassing as it is to admit: overthinking is my second name. Exercising or just going outside has proven to be a good way to distract myself from the overanalyzing everything - even if just for a short time. It all depends on how much what I'm thinking about will impact my future. The more important, the harder I can get my mind off it. You listed some great points here, too.
ReplyDeleteWorking out has always worked as a good distraction for me too. Just getting outside sounds perfect too. Being in the fresh air and listening to nature is truly peaceful! I certainly agree that the more important something is the hard it is to stop yourself from overthinking, 100%.
DeleteI over think FAR too much. It's a huge issue, and even the smallest thing becomes impossible to tackle. I loved this post, and now I feel less bizarre! I massively relate to the first point - sometimes it's hard to put things into perspective and often things which are a huge deal for you may not be for others.
ReplyDeleteJo xx
She Wears Burgundy
As well as they may not be as big of a deal as they seem. That a big one for me. I am really happy you loved the post! And yes, you are not alone! :)
DeleteThis is a really great post Nicole! I'm definitely an over thinker and mixing that with being quite paranoid?...Not a good mix! Not a healthy option but to stop myself overthinking i just block it out, and not think about it. You can kind of say bury my head in the sand...So all of the tips are fab! Thanks for sharing :) x
ReplyDeleteLife as a Petite // Bloglovin ♥
You're welcome! It's something I work on daily and it's something that affects a lot of people so I couldn't not share! :) When I was younger I used to block things out too...it would make it better for the time being until it all came rushing back. Definietly understand what you're saying<3
DeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI found your link on Jenny's Sunday Funday post.
That's such a great post and your tips are great :) Thanks for sharing. Simona x
Ah! I love that she started that! It's so great:) Thanks for taking time to comment! I really appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed it!
Deleteslight overthinker...what if, what if, what if? I mean what if I didn't overthink hmmmmm! I'm shocking at actually answer the questions you ask, sorry :( I think it's important to realise we can't change everything :) xxx
ReplyDeleteThats always been a big one for me because I'm a fixer! …but somethings you can't fix.
DeleteIs there a mental illness where you over think things?
ReplyDeleteHow to Stop Overthinking Everything