Breaking the cycle of overthinking is rarely easy. Those of us who struggle usually feel like we never get a break from all the words and lists and images and replays of prior events and conversations. All of those thoughts pile up and run through our head on an endless loop.
Putting your thoughts, worries, and tasks down in writing means you don’t have to hold them all in your head while you’re trying to concentrate on what you’re really supposed to be doing.
Journaling can be a different sort of brain dump. If there is a big issue weighing on your mind, writing about it can help you work through what’s going on.
If you’re frustrated by your lack of focus, walk away from your current space… and keep walking for a few minutes. Take a stroll outside if possible to place maximum distance between you and your struggles. The fresh air and movement will do wonders for your brain clarity.
Combining meditation and very deep breathing for about 10-15 minutes will leave you feeling incredibly refreshed. When you open your eyes, it often feels like you’ve just taken a nap.
You don’t want to find yourself working through this entire list, one thing after another, spending 15 minutes on EACH item and never actually getting to work. At that point, you’ve turned a positive tactic into a reason to procrastinate.