Are you consumed by the same thought over and over again? Are you not making progress by thinking about this particular thing? If so, this may be a sign that you should move on. Have you analyzed the same situation from a million angles? If you’ve found too many ways to look at something before you decide how to act, you may be being counterproductive. Have you enlisted the help of your twenty closest friends in thinking about a particular thing? If so, then it’s time to realize that you can only ask for so many opinions about the same idea before you drive yourself insane. Are people constantly telling you to stop over-thinking things? Do people tease you for brooding, being a philosopher, or staring out of rainy windows all the time? If so, they may have a point.
Just spending 15-20 minutes meditating every morning can make a dramatic impact on your ability to stay in the present and let go of all of your nagging thoughts. You can also meditate at night to help yourself wind down.
Join a circuit gym. Having to switch to a new machine every minute when you hear that bell ring will keep you from getting lost in your thoughts. Go hiking. Being around nature and seeing the beauty and stillness around you will keep you more focused on the present moment. Go swimming. Swimming is such a physical activity that it’s even harder to swim and think.
You can say them aloud to yourself, your cat, or to a trusted friend.
Besides, if you’re hanging out with a friend, you’re not just thinking, right? That’s something.
If making a list still doesn’t help you make a decision, don’t be afraid to follow your intuition. If two or more options seem equally appealing, thinking more will not make things clearer. This is when you should listen to something deeper.
Try to write in your diary at least a few times a week. This will help you get used to the idea of a “thinking time” and will help you sit down with your thoughts, instead of having them trouble you throughout the day.
The list can be practical and can deal with the bigger things, like: “spend more time with my family. "
Keep a list in your phone where you can jot down anything that you start to worry about outside of your “thinking time. " That way, you can let go of it in the moment, then return to it later when you’re actually free to think about it. [12] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist, Author of Nervous Energy Expert Interview.
Instead of thinking about whether or not your crush likes you, take action! Ask him or her out. What’s the worst that can happen? If you’re worried that you’re falling behind in work or school, make a list of all of the things you can do to succeed. And then do those things! If you like to think, “What if. . . " a lot, try to do the things that are feasible.
Alone time is definitely a good thing, but it’s important to mix up your routine with some time to hang out with your friends, let loose, and have fun.
Taking up a dance class would be a great way to start a new hobby and to dance.
It doesn’t have to be Mozart or something meaningful or hoity-toity. Listening to Katy Perry can do the trick too!
