How to Stop Overthinking: Practical Strategies for a Calmer Mind

Have you ever found yourself caught in the web of your own thoughts, wondering how to stop overthinking everything? It's a common experience, especially for those of us who strive to shine brightly in every sphere of life. But what if this very act of overthinking is dimming our light?

My own journey with overthinking began as a whisper—a quiet hum of thoughts that grew louder over time. Perfectionism and a strong sense of responsibility fed this internal dialogue. I was driven to excel, to meet every demand placed upon me. Yet, I often found myself trapped in a cycle of doubt and worry. What if I could have made a better decision? What if I'm not living up to my potential?

This cycle of overthinking can be exhausting, leaving us feeling disconnected from the present moment. It's like being a Flame Keeper, one of the Soul Archetypes, constantly tending to the fire of aspiration without rest. But what if we could channel this energy differently?

"The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." — John Milton

Overthinking often turns our minds into stormy seas, where thoughts swirl relentlessly. But through this storm, we can find clarity and calm. It begins with understanding ourselves. Tools like a self-discovery test or a free personality test based on Jung's personality theory can offer insight into our tendencies, helping us know our strengths and identify our soul type.

Jung's archetypes suggest that within each of us resides a spectrum of potential—archetypes like the Mirror Soul or the Silent Sage. Understanding which archetype aligns with our soul can be a guiding light, helping us navigate the complexities of our thoughts.

As I began to explore my own personality type, I realized much of my overthinking stemmed from a desire to control outcomes perfectly. Yet, life is beautifully unpredictable. The more I tried to control, the more overwhelmed I became.

So, how do we begin to untangle the threads of overthinking? Perhaps it starts with accepting that we cannot control everything. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teach us to embrace our thoughts without being consumed by them. It invites us to live in the present, to commit to actions that align with our values.

Imagine the relief of letting go of the need for perfect answers. Instead, we can focus on the journey of self-discovery. Daily affirmations and positive affirmations can serve as gentle reminders of our strengths and potential. They guide us back to the present, where we can act with intention rather than react out of habit.

"I am not my thoughts. I am the awareness of my thoughts."

Reflecting on this quote, I began to see my thoughts as clouds passing in the sky. They were not permanent, nor were they the entirety of my being. This realization brought a sense of peace and a renewed commitment to living authentically.

Let's try an exercise together. The next time you find yourself overthinking, pause and take a deep breath. Acknowledge the thought, then gently redirect your focus to what you can do right now. This simple act can transform a moment of anxiety into one of empowerment.

We are all on a journey of self-discovery, and sometimes, the path is illuminated by the very questions we ask ourselves. What if embracing our imperfections could lead to greater self-understanding? What if allowing ourselves to be vulnerable could reveal our true strength?

Consider this: what if overthinking is not a flaw but a call to explore our inner world more deeply? By recognizing the patterns of our thoughts, we can begin to chart a new course. One that is less about control and more about connection—to ourselves and to the world around us.

How about you? What insights might you discover by exploring your soul archetype or taking a personality test? Could these tools help you understand the roots of your overthinking and guide you toward a calmer mind?

As we continue on this path, may we find solace in the knowledge that we are not alone. We are all striving to shine our brightest. And perhaps, just perhaps, by embracing who we truly are, we can make the world look a little different.

The light outside the window seemed a bit warmer. In that moment, I realized that by quieting the storm within, I could see the beauty of the world anew. And isn't that a journey worth taking?