More and more people are overthinking. This could be for a number of reasons including pressure to fit in, stress, worry, anxiety and even feeling like you are missing out on something.

Overthinking is not good for you on a mental or physical level as it can increase levels of worry and anxiety as well as leave you feeling drained and exhausted.

Here are some tips to help reduce overthinking:

Self-Awareness

The first step involves you being aware of what triggers overthinking for you. For instance, is it worrying about something in the future? Or perhaps you are going over something that has happened in the past again and again and wished that you had given a different response to a situation, it may also be a choice that you need to make that is taking you forever to decide. Regardless of what it is, the sooner you are aware of the trigger, the sooner you can resolve it.

Allow Yourself Time

It is important to allow yourself some time to mull over the situation that is bothering you. Giving yourself a portion of time enables you to acknowledge your need and gives you space and a quiet moment to gather your thoughts together calmly, giving you time to place things into perspective. After you have given yourself this time move forward from this to minimise the temptation to dwell on this subject.

Accept

Accept that nobody is perfect, and that everyone makes mistakes, there is no need to punish yourself over something or give yourself undue stress by going over things continuously in your head. Focus on what you can do and keep positive.

Get Practical

If it helps get practical by writing or even drawing possible scenarios or pros and cons down. This exercise will help you remove any personal emotion out of the picture, enabling you to see things more logically. Stepping back and looking at things for what they are can make things clearer for you, which can help you feel better about the situation.

Focus On The Present

You can’t change the past, no matter how much you think about it and nobody can tell what the future will hold, so rather than spend your time overthinking try being present instead. When you focus on a task that requires your attention such as cooking, reading, playing an instrument etc. it removes the need for you to think about other things because you are completely immersed in what you are doing. This frees your mind from overthinking.

Get Physical

Doing something physical, like exercising or dancing, for example, it takes your attention away from your thoughts and by ‘getting out of your head’ allows you to ground and get fit too. This will help you feel better mentally and physically and help you have a more balanced lifestyle.

Stay Grateful

Appreciate the good things in your life, either say them out loud or write them down. This will help you feel more positive in yourself, and when you are in a happy state of mind there is less room for negativity or unwarranted thoughts such as overthinking.