This is how you break the “overthinking” cycle [SAVE THIS]
Hi friend!
Do you overthink everything?
Like to the point where your thoughts prevent you from doing certain things?
Then I suppose you opened this email because you’re ready to stop overthinking.
And so before you read any further, the “too long didn’t read” version of what I’m sharing here is that essentially the key to overcoming anything, including overthinking— involves taking ACTION.
Take Action
Alot of the time — overthinking is a result of inaction.
You fear making a wrong choice, so you keep analyzing every possible outcome. This analysis paralysis prevents you from taking any action at all, except continuing to run thoughts over and over in your mind.
You want everything to be perfect before you act. So you keep planning and refining without ever moving forward, leading to overthinking.
Or you don’t really know what it is you want and so you don’t know what first step to take and as a result your mind fills the gap with endless possibilities and "what-ifs," resulting in overthinking…and no action.
The “skill” to overcome overthinking is to see what small, practical step you can take towards where you want to go and then take it.
An action step can look like —
Labeling Your Thoughts
When you notice you’re overthinking, label the experience: "I'm overthinking." This awareness creates space where you can notice what’s happening and this detaches you from the cycle.
Setting a Time Limit for Decision-Making
Give yourself a specific amount of time to make a decision (e.g., 10 minutes, 5 seconds). Once the time is up, make the decision and move on.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a way of life. Come back to breath. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice where you are. These are practices that reorient us and ground us back to here, this moment. These practices can help you stay present and reduce the focus on racing thoughts.
Writing It Down
Get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Or take out your notes app and jot it all down there, that’s what I do. This can help clarify your thinking and reduce all that mental clutter.
Challenging ‘Negative’ Thoughts
When negative thoughts come up, “you’re so lazy,” “why aren’t you doing what you need to be doing?” “You’re never going to change your life.” “Why bother?” Challenge them by asking the thoughts if they are true and what evidence you have. This can reduce their power over you.
Again, these are only a few of the many different ways we can show up to support ourselves. If you’re in search of practical strategies to help you in managing overthinking more effectively so that you can have a clearer, more focused mind, like you deserve, why not start here?
**Five Dollar Fridays @ The House of Yin**
I’m excited to share some updates about the in-person guided meditations I’m hosting at The House of Yin:
1. The House of Yin now has a Facebook page! Follow them to stay updated on events and the weekly schedule. »HOY FB PAGE«
2. It’s been decided that I’ll be leading meditations at The House of Yin every other Friday. I’ll share the dates and a reservation link each month, so you can join me for these sessions.
3. In collaboration with The House of Yin, meditation sessions with me are now $5 as part of "Five Dollar Fridays." The goal is to keep these practices affordable and accessible to more people.
Reserve your spot for this month below.