With the current occurrence in the world and on those days when your thoughts are overwhelming, and you can’t stop overthinking, if that’s the case, you can use the techniques highlighted in this post.

All-day we are thinking about things and experts estimate that the mind thinks between 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts a day which is like 2,500 to 3,000 thoughts per hour. There are times when a subject start haunting us for some reason, and as a result, we start thinking excessively. That is to say: we do not stop a second of turning the matter over in our heads.

That brings several drawbacks. First, when we turn something in our heads so many times, the stress hormones, epinephrine and cortisol are released. Therefore, we worry, and that leads us to think, even more, entering a negative circle. This, in turn, has another consequence, which paralyses and knocks our confidence.

If we spend too much time thinking about it, it leads us to postpone important tasks, adding even more concern.

It’s not about spending a lifetime with a blank mind. But some ideas can help you not to think too much. Resulting in learning to take things with the right gravity.

Without further ado here are some useful tips to help you stop thinking too much

 1. Visualize your thoughts.

One of the worst pitfalls of over-thinking is that it is hard to realise. They all seem very justified thoughts. The first thing is to realise that we are devoting too much space to our thoughts.

For this, it is not a bad idea to give an image to those thoughts. Imagine them as people who talk to you, like birds that bother you, like flies that buzz you, or the way you want. But try to imagine that each of your thoughts has a shape. How much space do they take up?

Being aware of where you are giving your thoughts is the first step to stop doing it.

2. Become an observer

It is difficult to stop thinking too much, but it is not so much to try to have an objective, look at those thoughts keenly. Try to become an observer of your thoughts.

Many times, the way we judge those thoughts hurts us more than the thoughts themselves. Try, when a thought that worries you, appears, just let it go. Don’t stop to spin it, don’t ever stop trying to change it. Just listen to it and let it go.

You will notice that little by little, those thoughts will lose their essence.

3. Concentrate on your breathing

The power of breathing is amazing. When you feel like you can’t stop thinking about something, take a few minutes and start deep breathing. Breathe consciously, inhale from your nose and exhale through your mouth. Deliberately, direct your thoughts towards deep breathing exercise. When the thoughts that worry you reappear, pay attention to your breathing again. And keep on doing it as many times as necessary.

This exercise is an excellent complement to the previous one.

4. Set reminders

Try this, put an alarm on your mobile that goes off every half hour with a message that says “What are you thinking about now? Concentrate on the present!” That will help you become aware of how much time you spend thinking too much, without even noticing!

Help yourself to change habits and adopt mechanical ways of thinking with external reinforcement.

5. Practice mindfulness and meditation

If you tend to think too much, these techniques will only be palliative. There will always be a time when your mind starts all over again.

Neccesary read: Some tips to Meditation

However, the constant practice of meditation and mindfulness can help you lower the intensity of your thoughts. When meditation and mindfulness are continuously practiced, it becomes a habit and a way of life.

 6. Acceptance above all

The most important thing of all is not to dwell on your thoughts. Trying to lead a fulfilled life in which you manage not to think too much all the time, is a beautiful goal though. But, in the meantime, try not to believe your thoughts but focus on the feeling of those thoughts because that’s more powerful.

The great challenge is to make room for unpleasant sensations and to assume that some days will be worse than others. If you manage to accept your feelings instead of fighting against them, you will notice that your thoughts will lose their strength and intensity.

Was this post helpful? Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? I would love to hear from you.

Thanks for reading and until next time do stay safe and positive.