So what can you do? Focus on the facts. Rather than hyper-focusing on every possible threat that could occur, focus on what is in front of you right now. Remind yourself that if something comes up, you can cross that bridge when you get there. It is a huge waste of time and energy trying to solve abstract problems. Remind yourself that things will happen whether you plan for them or not and you can handle anything that comes your way. Work on building your confidence and the belief in yourself to be able to handle life’s twist and turns. 3. Reassurance-seeking

Reduce your collection. Despite the fact that today's technology is smaller and more useful than ever, we all seem to end up surrounded by stuff we no longer use or care about. It can seem like a pain to take the time and trouble to get rid of it, but you'll be glad you did once the task is finished.Be rational. Often, people worry about things they have limited control over, such as whether or not they got a new job (after an interview) or what a new acquaintance really thought of them. These worries are hard to help completely, even though it's obvious that worrying won't change their outcomes. However, that doesn't mean you can't do your best to remind yourself not to worry. Make a conscious effort to focus your attention elsewhere, and let events take their course as best you can. [3] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Experiencing life versus organising life. Letting go, versus hanging on Focusing on what you can do versus focusing on what you cannot do Learning from mistakes going on, vs. dwelling on mistakes and repeating them.

Learning what makes you anxious or triggers stress is important. For some of us, having to relocate is a trigger and the idea of having to break with routine and go to an unknown place sets overthinking into over drive. For others, family functions where you see toxic family members can set your temper and defenses soaring through the roof.Live in the moment. Don't obsess about the future; instead, focus on living in the present. It's fine to plan ahead sensibly and set goals, but the important thing is living your life as it is now, and not worry about what is already past or what the distant future might hold. [5] X Research source We don’t need to tell you that grief is normal in these circumstances; however, we do feel the need to point out that it is not normal to become imprisoned within the thoughts of grief. However, utilizing the power of your natural state – the state of healthy psychological functioning – is still the best thing you got. P 30. You cannot think your way out of depression. The reason is when your spirits are low you will generate negative thoughts. All you will see is negativity. You already know that your thoughts determine how you feel, but when you think in a depressed state of mind you will only make matters worse.

Start working on setting daily reminders of celebrating milestones or successes, no matter how big or small. The feeling of success will offer you a feeling of being able to handle things that come your way so you don’t have to overthink. I like to write things out that I am proud of each and every day. It is best not to wait for huge successes but to let yourself feel good about yourself right now. You may better understand what it is if you understand what it is not; and it is certainly not the real world around you. A genuinely happy person knows that life is nothing more than a constant series of present moments to be experienced. He sees the past for what it was able to teach him about how to live more in the now, and the future as more present moments to be experienced when they eventually arrive. Happy people strive to be fully with the person they are with, to be involved with whatever they are doing without thinking too much about the future or the past. They strive to experience each moment of their lives to its fullest. Many reports that they feel most immersed in the present moment when they arrive they are playing with the watch and children. Another good idea is to read motivational books. You can even read an article or two on motivation to know how to actually stop thinking and start working. There are plenty of texts or books on this topic and the most important thing is to make the selection wisely and carefully. Once you read such books, you can then understand what is important to you and how to achieve your goal(s). 7. Listen To Motivational Music We may also overthink because it gives us a sense of control over a situation. The feeling of being out of control is too uncomfortable and the looping thinking offers a state of doing.We feel that that movie and this quote explain the title and the contents of this chapter better than anything. Feel free to read it if you haven’t read Slowing Down to the Speed of Life , and You Can Be Happy No Matter What.

Well, the same should be true with your thoughts: so many of them are bad thoughts, and yet, since you firmly believe that they are yours, instead of freeing yourself from them, you let them imprison you in their negativity. But how often do we think about our thinking? When do we stop to question why we over-think, whether it’s productive, and how to overcome it? Namely, if your natural state is the state of healthy psychological functioning, then everything else is waste. It could be Sudoku, a board game with family, a meal out, yoga, or writing letters of gratitude to long-unseen friends. Plato knew that the body and mind are intimately linked, and in the late 1800s, the Mayo brothers, famous physicians, estimated that over half of all hospital beds are filled with people suffering from frustration, anxiety, chronic worrying, and despair. Causes of worry are everywhere, so it’s imperative that we take time to learn how to stop worrying and start living.Cultivate empty moments. It's easy to fill every waking moment of your free time with smartphone apps, social media browsing, TV, books, hobbies, and more, but it isn't always a good idea. Sometimes what you need isn't a distraction, it's a moment to yourself. There isn't a lot of free time in the day, for most people, but it isn't hard to find a couple of five-minute windows where you can drop everything and be alone with your thoughts. But once you can pinpoint which thoughts are causing the upset, one golden question will release all negativity: Serve first, seek second” should be the motto for anyone currently distressed by their perceived problems.