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My Biggest Problem is Overthinking.

This year I am determined to live with less stress.

 

I hate having “stress headaches” and what they do to my mood.

I am good at hiding stress and soldiering on.

Living with stress sucks and I want it to be gone.

The challenge we all face is that stress comes from within.

I am cognisant that the source of most of my stress is my very active mind.

Human psychology teaches us that the problem is rarely the problem. Ninety-nine percent of the harm is caused in your head and 1% of the harm is caused by reality.

 

“People are disturbed not by things, but by the view they take of them.” Epictetus

 

It appears that negative thoughts (I.E. self-criticism) create most of our stress.

So, what to do about it??

For me quieting my mind mainly comes from reading and writing (and more recently – talking about it).

Some clear advice I have found on this topic is from two of my favourite authors Mark Manson & Morgan Housel. Both espouse a similar approach.

Most problems are not solved with more thinking – they are solved with time and a fresh perspective. If a problem is outside of your control – stop trying to solve it.

In other words, “take action or let it go – everything else is self-destructive.” 

When you are feeling stress, ask yourself “is there anything I can do right now to change the problem?”

If the answer is yes – do it, take action.

If the answer is no – be at peace & let it go.

 

“Humans primarily differ from all other species not because of intelligence or language, it’s our constant misery that sets us apart.” Peter Russell

 

Do not let your thoughts overpower what is in front of you.

An over used term is “live in the moment,” but it is very relevant for reducing stress. Overthinking cannot change the past. It is what you are doing now that matters. It is best if you can make peace with the past and do not overthink tomorrow.

 

It is important to fact check your own thoughts.

Even when there is absolutely no reason to be anxious, we find one. Your thoughts are highly creative, and we invent all sorts of scenarios influenced by your emotions and insecurities that may not actually be true or accurate.

 

Worrying about something does not actually change anything (other than your blood pressure).

Acceptance is powerful, it is the best way to calm your mind.

You may not fully understand something that is worrying you, but if you want inner peace you need to accept it.

Accept the uncertain.

Accept the uncontrollable.

Accept imperfection.

 

Excessive negative thoughts are bad for your health.

Good mental health is vital to your overall wellbeing.

If you cannot effectively deal with your negative thoughts, you will never be truly healthy and happy.

True health is measured by the quality of your thoughts and the peacefulness of your mind.

 

“Most successful people are just a walking anxiety disorder harnessed for productivity.” Andrew Wilkinson

 

Thanks for reading,

Stay safe and relax your mind.

David