Experiencing racing thoughts is common, but there are practical methods to regain control and find mental peace. A key strategy for this could be mindfulness, where exercises like breathing or focusing on the present moment could help slow down an overactive mind. Keep reading to learn more! (Solan & LeWine, 2023).
You could also read: How to live a peaceful life.
Finding a way to a calmer mind
One approach to a calmer mindset could be to schedule more activities. When we have plenty of free time, our minds have more room to overthink. If you happen to find yourself struggling with racing thoughts, try to stay busy during your day (Godman & Komaroff, 2023).
Activities like exercising or engaging in creative hobbies could serve as powerful tools to refocus the mind. Immersing yourself in a new environment or task could shift your attention away from intrusive thoughts and give your brain something else to focus on. Whether it’s a walk outdoors or a hands-on project, staying active could help create mental clarity and prevent overthinking. (Godman & Komaroff, 2023).
Taking it slow
Many experts highlight the importance of “taking it slow” in a world that encourages constant multitasking. Embracing a slower pace doesn’t imply that you’re doing less; instead, it allows you to dedicate more attention to what truly matters. By being fully present in each activity, you’re able to engage more deeply and appreciate the experiences that often get overlooked in a rushed lifestyle. This intentional approach could support relaxation and create space for a more fulfilling and balanced way of living (Solan & LeWine, 2022).
Embracing a slower life could offer numerous benefits. By fostering mindfulness and attentiveness, this lifestyle could help encourage more meaningful social interactions. Additionally, the increased awareness of your surroundings and actions may decrease the likelihood of injury and strengthen your short-term memory, boosting your ability to remember small but important tasks (Solan & LeWine, 2022).
Five strategies to break the cycle of racing thoughts
1. Give yourself permission: Racing thoughts are often worsened by preoccupation over them. Acknowledge them as mental noise and accept them, which helps reduce their power over you (Solan & LeWine, 2023).
2. Get mindful: Try mindfulness practices, like breath counting, to calm the mind and break negative thought cycles (Solan & LeWine, 2023).
3. Distract yourself: Shift your focus away from these thoughts by engaging in activities like reading or listening to music (Solan & LeWine, 2023).
4. Get moving: Physical activity could help to refocus the mind and reduce negative feelings (Solan & LeWine, 2023).
5. Schedule worry time: Set aside a fixed time to address your racing thoughts, allowing you to deal with them more effectively (Solan & LeWine, 2023).
Get rid of negative thoughts!
By embracing a slower lifestyle and implementing practices like mindfulness and time scheduling, you could cultivate a peaceful and focused mind, free from the burden of constant mental distractions. Remember: every little step counts. Whatever you are able to do is just fine! (Solan & LeWine 2023).
Sources:
1. Godman, H., Komaroff, A. (2023, November 1). «Unsticking» sticky thoughts. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/unsticking-sticky-thoughts
2. Solan, M., LeWine, H. (2023, March 13). Slowing down racing thoughts. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/slowing-down-racing-thoughts-202303132901
3. Solan, M. LeWine, H. (2022, November 1). Taking it slow. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/taking-it-slow
