Overthinking isn't helping you boo.

Photo by pexels.com

Can we talk about how overthinking is such a hustle, like seriously having sleepless nights thinking about something that really doesn't exist in real life, it's just a make-believe story you've created for yourself. It all starts with one thought that leads to another, then another, until you're exhausted and unsure of what’s even real anymore. 

This could be something as big as an interview that you think could go wrong so you stay up all night creating scenarios of every bad thing that could happen, you wake up feeling so tired, and full of anxiety that you actually want to talk yourself out of going. It could also be something as small as a word you mispronounced during the day in front of people making you question your whole existence and intelligence. 

If you are someone who often overthinks, just know that there's no shame in it. It's completely natural. But you have to agree it's so damn exhausting!!

There’s a huge gap between what’s in your mind and what’s actually happening in the real world! Those imaginary scenarios you create? They’re just a way your mind tries to create a sense of control over situations within or around you so that you can have some sense of safety and security.

This coping mechanism is created as a response to past mistakes, maybe you don't want to repeat the same mistake you did ( trusting people fully, making them take advantage of you). It could also be due to past traumas or you had a difficult childhood growing up, so to feel safe, you end up creating those worst-case scenarios and then you convince yourself that, if you do so you'll be ready for whatever will come your way.

It’s wild how the mind can make something feel so real, yet nothing has even happened yet. I’ve realized that overthinking tends to feed on assumptions, not facts. But slowing down, even just for a second, makes a difference. Just sitting with your thoughts alone and asking, “Do I actually know this for sure?” that tiny pause feels like reclaiming a bit of peace.

I’m also learning (slowly) that we don’t have to believe every thought that pops up. Not everything deserves to rent space in our heads. I'm still on the journey, from less overthinking to being more grounded.

Here's what has been helping me so far;

The first thing that’s been helping me a lot is this simple thought: “What’s true right now?” Not what might happen, not what I fear, but what’s happening in this exact moment. I ask myself, “Am I feeling safe right now? Am I okay right now?” Most times, the answer is yes. I've always realized that bringing myself back to the present helps me realize that my current reality is usually calmer than the loud stories in my head.

Another thing I try is focusing on my senses. It’s honestly one of the quickest ways to bring yourself back to earth. I’ll literally pause and ask myself “What can I see? What do I hear? What can I touch?” It sounds simple, but even noticing the way my feet feel on the floor makes my thoughts slow down. It reminds me that life is happening here, not inside my overthinking mind.

I also remind myself that not every thought deserves my attention. The brain loves to create drama sometimes, but that doesn’t mean I have to participate in it. Let the thoughts pass without needing to follow every storyline they offer.

The other thing I had to learn is that I don’t have to be in problem-solving mode all the time. I don’t have to figure everything out today. Resting your mind isn’t being lazy, it’s a way of giving yourself space to breathe. Sometimes the best clarity comes after you’ve stepped away from all the mental noise.

And finally, I become delulu by creating counter thoughts about situations that have happened. I know I know it sounds crazy but hear me out, for example you say hi to someone and they ignore you, you might feel some type of way, you can even find yourself thinking,"Wow, they must hate me,” then it escalates to, “Maybe I did something wrong,” and before you know it, you’ve built a whole tragic story about how you’re the worst communicator on earth, and now you’re convinced people are secretly talking about how weird you are. 

What I like to do, and I call this my “delulu moment” is flip the thought. Maybe they didn’t hear me, even if I was close to them. Maybe they were distracted, hungry, or deep in their own overthinking moment. Sometimes it’s okay to be a little “delulu” if it helps you give yourself peace.

Bestie, it’s a journey to stop overthinking. Some days you’ll catch yourself mid-spiral and laugh it off, and other days you’ll get caught up in the noise and both are normal. The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to notice, pause, and give yourself grace. Little by little, you’ll feel the difference.

What’s one simple thing that helps you quiet your mind when it gets too loud?

I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks a bunch for sticking around.

See you next time, bye!🤎

If you enjoy what I share, wander over to my Ko-fi shop you might find something that feels just right for you.