This one area that I battle with on a daily basis. We are always in our heads. Second guessing everyone and everything, wondering why things happen the way they do. Lots of time I feel like it's the devil trying to destroy our strength and love for the person or situation.

We need to trust things are happening for a reason. If you believe in God, you have to trust in Him, and the process. Lots of time he is showing or trying to tell you something.

So WHY do you overthink?

1) Fear of Failure - Not wanting to make mistakes.

2) Trying to be perfect - Why try to be perfect but we are human.

3) Stress - Situation can disrupt our ability to process the information

4) Past Experiences - Negative experiences cause you to look at them often.

5) Low Self-Esteem - This causes us to 2nd guess all things good or bad.

6) Social Pressure - The need for approval causes us to analyze our actions and words.

7) Desire for Control - Crave to control situations because we feel powerless. Our brain is wired to only handle negativity. You need to really work to rewire your brain to think positive thoughts first. It is a battle to win that is for sure! Always think about the glass being half full and half empty!

How to Stop Overthinking

1) Practice Mindfulness - Be aware of what your thinking about. Focus on the current. No judgements. It is hard to not want to concentrate on the past but that only hurts your present and future. You need to let go of what is done and go on.

2) Catch Your Thoughts - Once you start to overthink redirect your thoughts. Find a saying and make it your go to when you are overthinking. Mine is Hard Work will get you through it!

3) Grounding Techniques - Focus on your senses to anchor yourself in the present moment.

How to Challenge Negative Thoughts - 

1) Challenge Your Thoughts - Question validity of your worries. Do not worry put your trust in God.

2) Focus on Solutions - Find solution and take action.

3) Embrace Your Imperfection - It's okay not to be perfect. Mistakes are a natural part of the process. As long as you learn from your mistakes the first time. 

4) Distract and Relax - a) distract yourself from overthinking b) meditate & take a deep breath

c) Journaling will help the process & clarify d) Schedule time for reflection e) Help others

3-3-3 Rule for Overthinking

Name 3 things you can:

1) See

2) Hear

3) Moments

Natural Cures that help Overthinking & Anxiety

1) Magnesium - regulates your mood\brain

2) Vitamins - B helps neuro-transmitter production, D helps stress and Omega 3 depletes stress stored in our body.

3) L-Theanine - Relaxes you

4) Ashwagandha - Helps you with stress management

5) Melatonin - Helps you sleep

Foods that can help:

1) Teas - Chamomile, Lavender and Green Tea

2) Other - Kefir, Kava and warm milk

My experience is that you need to try one thing at a time and see what works for you. Everyone is different. I put magnesium oil on my inner thighs close to my groin and it helps me sleep. I also put it on my legs to help muscle cramps. I also go outside and lay on the ground which calms with and grounds me to the outside. 

Apps I recommend 

1) Calm - For sleep

2) Headspace - Meditation & sleep

3) Bucdhify - Anxiety

4) Unplug

Social Things -

1) Join a group (Garden Club, Game Club or a prayer group)

2) Volunteer - helping others helps your soul and makes you feel like your making a difference

3) Call a loved one to chat

4) Focus on positive emotions

Exercise To Do - 

1) The Five Senses

2) Relaxation

3) Print out Tips for a Good Nights Sleep 

Overthinking Exercise

Five Senses -

Take a few deep breaths then write down:

1) Five things you See

2) Four things you can Feel

3) Three things you can Hear

4) Two things you can Smell

5) One thing you can Taste

Relaxation Exercise

1) Find a quiet place to set or lie down

2) Close eyes focus on your breath

3) Slowly breathe in, expanding your belly

4) Slowly breath out

5) Do this for about 5 minutes

Use a Mantra - Breathing In- I am calm, Breathing out - I am coping

"You will never be free until you free yourself from the prison of your own false thoughts." - Philip Arnold