We will also do better when we can recognize the worry thoughts as signs of nervousness and anxiety, the same as an eye twitch or sweaty palms, rather than some important message about the future. Guru will give you a mysterious smile and will eventually disclose that he had been meditating in a forest full of other monks who themselves either left their homes earlier or are orphans. Michl LC, McLaughlin KA, Shepherd K, Nolen-Hoeksema S. Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. J Abnorm Psychol. 2013;122(2):339-52. doi:10.1037/a0031994

The following three books are my favorite ever. I've read these a lot. As for a desert island, these books would be enough for me. A Manual For Living by Epictetus It steals time, creativity, and goals. It's the most expensive, least productive thing companies invest in without even knowing it. And it's an epidemic. When New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff changed his life by transforming his overthinking, he wondered if other people might benefit from what he discovered. He commissioned a research study to ask 10,000 people if they struggle with overthinking too, and 99.5 percent said, "Yes!" There is a fine line between thinking and overthinking. How to know when I'm crossing the line? Why am I asking this is because we all know we need to think before we take actions. Now, once an action is taken, you can't really do anything about it and that is absolutely fine. BUT, when you are about to take an action (in certain cases) you are taking into account the possible outcomes. Based on that either you change your modus operandi or you don't take the action at all. Implementing these strategies can contribute to a sense of empowerment and improved well-being. 5. Personal Stories and ReflectionsI'm not usually one for self-help books but I did really enjoy reading The Book of Knowing which was the earlier book from this author, and I shared that book with lots of students at school who found it useful and interesting. I was keen to read this next one. It is more focused on adults and I got a lot out of it personally. As someone who is mad keen on worrying it had some great exercises which I will continue to use, but it also clarified and put a name to what is happening in my brain when I do worry. I'm perfectly capable of overthinking the most ridiculous things and it is good to know that that isn't unusual or weird, but something I can do something about. I personally like the unveiling of our own responsibility regarding the thoughts we listen to. As Acuff said, “Fear comes free, faith takes work.”

Overthinking can be a difficult habit to break, but with the right tools, it is possible to live a happier and more productive life. Clear your mind is a great book for anyone who struggles with anxiety or stress. The exercises and techniques provided by Schuster are easy to follow and can make a big difference in your life. Rosalie Puiman, a leadership coach, says that overthinking your own role in a disagreement will actually make it more difficult to solve the disagreement successfully. Do you ever feel like your brain is working against you? That’s because it might be! There are a lot of great books on overthinking, but maybe you never thought they could help you?

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The book A Manual for Living by Epictetus is a Stoic philosophical work that offers advice on how to deal with difficult situations and emotions. Each section contains a series of short essays that offer advice on how to approach life’s challenges. When people are going through a difficult experience, asking them to imagine how they’ll feel about it ten years from now, rather than tomorrow, can be another remarkably effective way of putting their experience in perspective. Embrace the Chaos offers a new perspective on how to approach difficult situations and challenges. It’s one of the best philosophy books for anxiety and overthinking with an inspiring message about the importance of embracing change. It provides many real-life examples and inspiring stories. And it also has practical tips and strategies for finding peace and clarity in the face of adversity. Author Gwendoline Smith is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and the author of The Book of Knowing, Depression Explained and Sharing the Load. She dispenses mental health advice online as Dr. Know. She lives in New Zealand. I have guided patients through these activities many times,” says Lori Ryland, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist in Kalamazoo, Michigan.