If you’re always trapped in your head, you might think that moving beyond overthinking is impossible. You are not alone in this line of thinking. But it is possible to not let it have such a hold on you.
We’ll be honest. It takes work. But little by little you can give overthinking a smaller presence in your life.
And though the work you do won’t result in a permanent state of bliss and peacefulness, cutting back on overthinking can make a big difference in your mental AND physical health.
Why Do We Overthink?
Everyone overthinks sometimes. Folks who struggle with anxiety disorders are especially prone. But no one is immune to overthinking. The future is unpredictable and that can be a scary notion for all of us. So you believe that by overthinking, you’ll solve all of the problems in your head so you can be better prepared for whatever comes next. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.
The problem is, overthinking is not the same thing as problem-solving. Because overthinking is rooted in uncertainty, it can actually create problems that don’t exist.
Not to get too scientific here, but the cerebral cortex is the seat of all of your thinking. It’s the part of your brain that calls up memories and allows you to anticipate things. When the cerebral cortex is at the helm, calm logic dictates. If, however, you start obsessing over something we perceive as a problem, the amygdala will get involved.
The amygdala is your brain’s emotional center. It’s also directly linked with fear and anxiety. Your heart may start beating faster, you may sweat, your digestive system might get stirred, etc. No matter how it physically and/or emotionally presents in you, overthinking is not doing you any favors.
Then Comes Self-Doubt
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could simply tell yourself to stop having that thought and it would go away? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. If we told you right now to stop thinking about purple owls, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?
We’re guessing it’s purple owls.
So if you try to will yourself to stop overthinking about a situation, chances are the thought will become even more embedded. After all, what we resist persists.
Because overthinking is like a vacuum. It will completely suck you in. And then it will paralyze you into inaction and invite self-doubt to the whole affair. Then you’re left asking yourself, why bother?
So What’s the Key to Moving Beyond Overthinking?
It’s tough to argue that these are turbulent times for most of us. It’s all too easy to spend an inordinate amount of time obsessing over the state of the world. But here’s the thing. There are problems that aren’t meant for you to solve.
For instance, unless you’re studying in such areas, you’re not in charge of clearing the ocean of microplastics or finding the cure for the next deadly virus. In other words, if your head is circling around trying to address a problem that you cannot solve, then find one that’s more feasible.
Furthermore, just pausing throughout your day and recognizing when you’re gotten sucked into overthinking can go the distance in helping you deal with it. Acknowledge what you’re feeling. Are you anxious? Uncomfortable? Upset? Where do you feel it in your body?
Once you recognize your brain is in overdrive, you can try some simple things that will take you out of your head and back into the flow. It could be taking a walk, creating art, reading a favorite book, practicing yoga, or any other number of activities that keep you in the present.
Going into nature is also helpful. Leave your phone behind and become fully present with all of your senses. Smell the grass, hear the chirp of a bird, taste a wild berry, feel the breeze on your skin, watch the clouds move across the sky.
Resolving Self-Doubt
Like the nasty relative that it is, self-doubt grows like a limb from the same tree of uncertainty that breeds overthinking. It thrives in the overthinking brain that doesn’t see anything but inevitable failure.
It’s been said that courage is not being unafraid, but rather it’s being afraid and doing it anyhow.
The same is true for self-doubt.
Once you begin to free yourself (to some degree) from overthinking, you’ll feel more emboldened to engage with life while being willing to get things wrong. Because you’re never going to be perfect. And things often don’t work out as you plan.
Going about life with that mindset will open you up to so many possibilities that you might otherwise miss when trapped in the vacuum of overthinking. You may even be surprised when you discover that you can still be kind to and even love yourself when you make a mistake or things go wrong!
That’s what the process of easing out of overthinking brings. And it’s powerful.
Are You a Chronic Overthinker?
The less time you spend in your head, the more you’re able to come into things that bring you joy and out of overthinking. But moving beyond overthinking is no easy feat.
So if you’re a chronic overthinker, contact us today to discuss our yoga, mindfulness, and life coaching services that will help to ease you out of your head.
Just remember that it’s going to take some time. Just know that with repeated practice and patience, your mind will begin to adapt.
