The art of overthinking

Please remember: you're not alone. Overthinking can be draining and your mind can feel like the loneliest place but you are not alone.
I am not a psychologist, nor have any qualification in the mental health field but let me tell you, I have mastered the art of overthinking. Through my experience, I have learnt (and am still learning) a lot.

Clinical psychologist Helen Odessky, Psy.D, shares that “So often people confuse overthinking with problem-solving, but what ends up happening is we just sort of go in a loop. We’re not really solving a problem.” I felt that.
People are always inclined to tell me I'm the 'happy one'. I love making people smile and radiating positive energy but that doesn't mean my brain doesn't get trapped in a worry cycle more often than not. How you react to your mental habits, though, is what is important. However, remember that training your mind to view life through a different perspective, against how you naturally think, doesn't mean you'll be positive ALL the time. Like all training, the days where you feel like giving up are inevitable.

Look at the sky.

Just look up and take it in. If you are unable to go outside and look up at the sky just physically LOOK UP. In a generation of technology, we forget to do this. I'm not sure what it is about tilting my head towards the sky (or even the ceiling), but just taking that moment to look up and away is so extremely calming; perspective begins to present itself.
Try it and see what you think. Maybe I'm just weird but it may just help someone.

This moment of looking up could have something to do with taking your time. Sometimes the overwhelming schedule of life gets too much, like when you turn a running machine to full speed but can't quite keep up. You've not quite finished your last stride, yet are already thinking of the next. As a great teacher once told me, "Hurry slowly."

Take each day as it comes.

Let what has happened, be. You can't go back and change the past. It's easier said than done but think about how you can improve what is happening in that moment rather than the overwhelming concept of life. Slow down.

Breathe.

In for five counts, out for seven. Your thoughts are going round, beginning to become uncontrollable so just breathe and be grateful you can. We rush through life, taking for granted the power of breathing. It seems so simple but above all, it is what keeps us alive. Take a moment to breathe, thinking of how you are doing so and that is all. No other thoughts in your head. If your mind wanders, accept it and bring the focus back to the breath.
Even for five breathes, be mindful of this essential act. By taking a moment before going back to what you were doing or thinking with a sensible, mindful approach can be such a powerful way to redirect the thoughts.
Notice this is also a moment in time where we step back and slow down.

Listen to music.

As a creative soul, I love music. Frequently I resort to youtube videos or podcasts as background noise when doing just about anything. However, I've recently been listening to my favourite tunes again- or even ones I've never heard. Something about it has spiked my productivity. Take a moment to appreciate the song, though, don't let it just go by. How does it make you feel? What message is the artist aiming to share? How does your body react or move to the music? Listen. Feel. Move.
 

Gratitude and perspective.

Look at how far you have come. When your thoughts become too much, mentally list the things you are grateful for in defiance to the negativity in your head. For example, if your brain is constantly tormenting your body image, think about three things you love about yourself. Step back and thank your body for allowing you to breathe. Thank your body for bringing you this far in life- so many steps your legs have endured to get you to this point. Put it into perspective with gratitude.
I love to write three positives at the end of each day. The best day to notice positivity is your bad days. Even the most simple positive acts or things can happen throughout the worst days.

So.... step back. Breathe and be grateful. Let it be *cue The Beatles*. Just be patient and stick with it.

I hope this helped somebody out there; please remember you're not alone.
If not, it's a little insight into my mind anyway!

Sending love and safety,
Maddie x