7 Ways to Stop Overthinking
We’ve all been there. The same thought spinning around in your head, the worst case scenario playing on repeat in your mind as you stare at your phone or email inbox, unable to stop thinking about a situation or a person over and over. Maybe you are obsessing about an outcome that you want but don’t seem to be able to achieve. So what you do? You start to worry, get upset, angry, or sad, and then make a decision entirely based on a temporary emotion (like sending a rude text or email or making an angry phone call). Sound familiar? Please stop right there. Do me a favor and put your phone away.
Let me introduce you to two terrible couples: thoughts and worry paired with imagination and anger. These pessimistic couples always have something to complain about, assume the worst, and predict the darkest scenarios possible. Plus, they like to overstate and overanalyze. Would you really like to go on a couples date with them? Not really, right? Instead, you might want to try these strategies below:
1. Get active.
Start moving and get your mind off that one thought you’ve been ruminating about over and over. Meet up with your best friend or a family member. Go for a bike ride, hike, or run. Remind yourself that you can’t change or control another person’s behavior or actions; you can only control your own. Repeat after me or write it down somewhere you can find it in case of emergencies: You cannot control or influence the outcome or behavior of someone else. So get up, get moving and say hello to your best new buddies: endorphins.
2. Get social.
How about volunteering? Helping other people is one of the best ways to spread happiness. Plus, you will also benefit from it by finding your sense of purpose again through the feeling of belonging and being needed. Alfred Adler, the pioneer of Individual Psychology, termed this feeling Gemeinschaftsgefuehl. It’s a German word, which translates into community feeling. Have you tried talking to strangers next to you in a grocery line, on a bench, or on the train or bus? Studies have shown that our level of happiness increases when we talk to strangers, because we automatically put on our happy face and talk about pleasant things instead of our worries. Sound good? Let’s give it a try.
3. Get creative…and no worries about not being inspired.
Frank Tibolt once said: “We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.” Inspiration comes from within; however, sometimes we are so busy beating ourselves up for not being inspired, that we subconsciously prevent ourselves from getting inspired. Sound silly? Yes it is, so let’s stop shutting our inner voice down and start doodling, writing, sculpting, crafting, dancing, singing, knitting, or whatever you enjoy. Just make sure to shift your full attention away from your worries and focus them onto something that is more productive and lifts your mood.
4. Get loud and sing!
Turn on your favorite music and sing out loud and/or dance! This will bring you right back to happy times with your friends or family. Please note however that sad music and music which reminds you of the situation, ex-love, or friend that your thoughts have been spinning around about, are a big no and to be avoided. Those songs need to be banned from your playlist for now. Research has shown that music influences our moods and behavior. So, if you’re sad, please don’t dwell in it. Sure, you can cry about it as this helps sometimes, but don’t get caught up in it. Instead, listen to some happy or uplifting music. I prefer music I can (badly) sing along to, preferably the music of the 90s. Just the act of singing helps me stop thinking and obsessing, because I am way too busy recalling the lyrics of the song.
5. Clean up your act!
Cleaning your surroundings and putting things in order is a win-win situation in times of overthinking, because it not only cleans up your crib, it cleans up your mind also. Getting rid of stuff and decluttering is a great way to practice letting go, create space, and free yourself from stressors and things you don’t need. I usually start sorting through my clothes, trying on old treasures that I haven’t worn in years. It’s fun, keeps your hands and eyes off your phone, and it gives you time for your beautiful and fabulous self. You’ll see that the hours (and your overthinking) will pass in no time.
6. Be a bookworm.
Get lost in a great book! Dive into a fictional world or get inspired by reading the biography of someone you admire. What works for me sometimes is reading a children’s book. No kidding! It’s a great way to trick my mind and takes me right back to times of happiness, when there were no worries and no real obligations; the playful and fun time when boys had cooties and my biggest worry was to be back at home for dinner. My favorite series of children’s books is “Famous Five” by Enid Blyton. I am sure you have a favorite children’s book too!
7. Turn off your devices!
Step away from any form of social media or telecommunication. Seriously, texting is a great way to get into fights and create misunderstandings. It is not an indication of how a person feels or what words they would say to you in person. You don’t see a face and you cannot hear the tone of voice in which this message/email has been written. Remember that you are reading and interpreting this based on your current mood and past experiences with other people. Sigmund Freud called this “repetition compulsion,” so if you had negative experiences (e.g. neglect or rejection) in the past, then you are likely to interpret a “no response” from someone as being neglected. This may trigger feelings of anxiety, panic … you name it. I am sure you don’t want to fall into this trap. Really, how many times have you read an email again after a few days when you were in a completely different mood and thought, “oh jeez, and I got all worked up about this?”
Just remember, time goes by, so do worries as well as difficult and joyful times. The trick is to enjoy each and every second of it. If you really need to think and obsess about something, then think about all the things you are thankful for. It’s amazing what gratitude can do for you and your outlook on life. Besides, what gives this situation or person the right to make you unhappy? Exactly.
About the Author
10 Examples of Limiting Beliefs and How to Overcome Them
Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained thoughts that prevent us from reaching our goals and living the life we desire. In this article, we explore how to identify and overcome these beliefs to unlock our true potential and manifest our desires.
Table of Contents
- What Are Limiting Beliefs?
- 10 Common Examples of Limiting Beliefs
- How Limiting Beliefs Affect Manifestation
- What Is the Origin of Limiting Beliefs or Thoughts?
- How to Overcome Limiting Ideas
- The Importance of Empowering Beliefs in Manifestation
- 10 Examples of Empowering Beliefs
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained thoughts and convictions that act as barriers in our personal growth. These beliefs form throughout our lives, often stemming from past experiences, family and social influences, leading us to doubt our abilities. As a result, we set artificial limits on what we believe is possible, preventing us from reaching our true potential.
A limiting belief can be as simple as thinking “I’m not good enough,” or as complex as a pattern of behavior that keeps us stuck in an undesirable situation. By becoming aware of these beliefs, we can begin to question and challenge them, opening the door to new possibilities and opportunities.
Identifying our limiting beliefs is the first step towards overcoming them. This involves deep reflection to understand how these negative thoughts affect us and where they originated in our lives. By dismantling these beliefs, we can replace them with more positive and empowering thoughts that allow us to move forward towards our goals with confidence and determination.
10 Common Examples of Limiting Beliefs
Identifying our limiting beliefs is the first step towards overcoming them and unlocking our potential. Here are ten common examples of these beliefs:
- I’m not good enough: “I’ll never be as good as others.”
- I’m too old or too young: “I’m too young to be a manager.”
- I don’t have enough money: “I’ll never be able to afford that.”
- I don’t have enough time: “I don’t have time to pursue my dreams.”
- I’m not smart: “I can’t understand this, it’s too hard for me.”
- Success is for others, not for me: “They have what it takes, I don’t.”
- I must think of others first, even if it hurts me: “I must always put others’ needs before mine.”
- I’m not creative: “I never have original ideas.”
- It’s too difficult: “I can’t do it, it’s too complicated.”
- I don’t deserve to be happy: “I don’t deserve to enjoy life.”
How Limiting Beliefs Affect Manifestation
Limiting beliefs act as blocks in the manifestation process, preventing our intentions and desires from materializing. When we hold onto negative thoughts or doubt our abilities, we emit a low vibration that attracts experiences and situations aligned with these limiting beliefs. This creates a cycle in which our expectations are continuously confirmed, reinforcing our limitations.
Changing our limiting beliefs requires a conscious and practical approach. It is essential to recognize that these negative thoughts do not reflect reality, but rather a perception conditioned by past experiences. Through techniques such as meditation, the use of positive affirmations, and the practice of visualization, we can transform these mental patterns and align ourselves with our true capabilities. By modifying our beliefs, we not only improve our self-image but also create a mental environment conducive to manifesting our desires and goals.
What Is the Origin of Limiting Beliefs or Thoughts?
Limiting beliefs originate primarily in our childhood, when we are more susceptible to external influences. The messages and experiences we receive from our parents, teachers, and social environment begin to shape our perception of ourselves and the world. Phrases like “you’re not good enough” or “that’s too hard for you” can become deeply ingrained, forming the foundation of our limiting ideas.
In addition to external influences, our personal experiences also play an important role in the development of limiting beliefs. Failures, rejections, and traumatic situations can leave a lasting impression on our minds, leading us to generalize those negative experiences and believe that we will always fail or be rejected. This negative thought pattern is reinforced every time we avoid similar situations to protect ourselves from pain.
Limiting beliefs can also be the result of the culture and society in which we live. Social norms, expectations, and stereotypes can impose restrictions on what we consider possible or acceptable. For example, cultural beliefs about gender, age, or economic status can limit our aspirations and self-image, affecting our ability to manifest the life we truly desire.
Finally, limiting beliefs can originate in our own internal dialogue. Repetitive and negative thoughts can become a mental habit, continuously reinforcing our limiting perceptions. This critical internal dialogue can be especially insidious, as it operates at a subconscious level, influencing our decisions and behaviors without us even realizing it.
How to Overcome Limiting Ideas
Overcoming limiting ideas requires a conscious process of introspection and mental reprogramming. First, it is important to identify and observe these negative beliefs, recognizing their origin and how they affect our lives. Then, through techniques such as meditation, positive affirmations, and visualization, we can reprogram our subconscious and replace limiting beliefs with empowering beliefs that strengthen us and propel us towards our goals.
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Detection and Observation of the Belief
The first step to overcoming a limiting belief is to detect it and observe it closely. Reflect on your daily thoughts and emotions, and ask yourself what beliefs might be blocking your progress. Write these beliefs down and examine their origin, recognizing when and how they arose and how they have influenced your decisions and behaviors.
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Reprogram the Subconscious
Reprogramming the subconscious involves replacing limiting beliefs with positive and empowering thoughts. Use positive affirmations and repeat them daily to modify your internal dialogue. Visualization is another effective technique: imagine in detail what your life would look like after overcoming these beliefs, creating new neural connections that reinforce these empowering thoughts.
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Change the Limiting Belief for an Empowering One
To change a limiting belief for an empowering one, first identify a positive belief you wish to adopt. Write affirmations that reflect this new belief and repeat them regularly. Each time you detect a limiting thought, consciously replace it with the positive affirmation. This process requires consistency and daily practice so that the new belief takes root.
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Consolidation of the New Belief
Consolidating a new belief requires practice and consistency. Integrate your new beliefs into your daily routine through concrete actions that reinforce them. Keep a journal of your progress, record your successes, and reflect on how these new beliefs are transforming your life. Over time, these beliefs will become an integral part of your thinking and daily behavior.
The Importance of Empowering Beliefs in Manifestation
Empowering beliefs are essential for manifestation because they directly influence our ability to attract and achieve our desires. These beliefs propel us forward, creating a positive and receptive mental state. By maintaining empowering beliefs, we align our vibration with our goals, making it easier for our intentions to become reality.
In addition, empowering beliefs allow us to overcome internal obstacles and maintain a mindset of abundance and possibility. They reinforce our self-image and positive expectations, creating a mental and emotional environment that supports and motivates us. By adopting these beliefs, we visualize our goals more clearly and act with confidence and determination, transforming our reality in meaningful ways.
10 Examples of Empowering Beliefs
Adopting empowering beliefs is essential to manifesting our desires and achieving our goals. Here are ten examples of these beliefs that can transform your life:
- I am enough: “I have everything I need to succeed.”
- Age does not define my ability: “Every stage of my life brings new opportunities.”
- Abundance is within my reach: “Money flows to me with ease.”
- I have time for everything that matters: “I can manage my time to fulfill my dreams.”
- I am smart and capable: “I can learn and master any skill.”
- Success is for everyone: “I have what it takes to succeed.”
- Taking care of myself is a priority: “My needs are as important as anyone else’s.”
- I am creative: “I have original and valuable ideas.”
- Challenges are opportunities: “I can overcome any obstacle.”
- I deserve to be happy: “I deserve to fully enjoy life.”
