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What can I do to stop overthinking and analyzing everything?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 06/29/2021 at 11:57pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jennifer Fritz, LMSW, PhD

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Day to day life can be stressful and overwhelming and my strength is assisting my clients in a supportive, empowering and practical manner.

Top Rated Answers
starryRiver83
February 15th, 2015 9:33pm
Find constructive things to do. Recognise when you are overthinking things and stick to what the facts are that you know, rather than thinking 'maybe it happened because of this reason', 'what is this was also an indication?', 'why didn't I figure it out before?'. It can be difficult at times not to ask questions, but as long as you try to draw lines under everything that you feel you overthink or overanalyse. Not everything that happens defines you, always remember that. And it is ok to be upset or angry or confused in certain situations, and maybe trying to find an real answer to it will seem like the best thing, but it can sometimes become an unhealthy response.
InfiniteCutiePi
July 26th, 2016 12:30am
Try to surrender..to let go and just flow with the wave, do your best and it's what it's. We just need to be sure that everything will be okay and that if something went wrong then it's for the best but we just dont realise it. Just let go! You are still here breathing despite everything you have been through so do not ruin your day with the what ifs and maybes. Believe in yourself :) Have a wonderful day!! :)
peacefulIris56
April 18th, 2016 3:05pm
Tell yourself that overthinking and analyzing everything is unhealthy and it makes you not at piece. When you start to overthink, just slow down and don't read too much into things. Also, let things flow naturally. It is also best to have distractions, such as going for walks, listening to music, going to the movies, going to stores and looking around, finding events around town, talking to family and friends etc.
Anonymous
September 12th, 2016 12:18pm
distraction from over thinking, go out more and enjoy life
Anonymous
January 21st, 2015 10:20pm
Find activities that force you to be in the moment. Socialize with friends. Go walking, hiking or do other physical activities. Listen to music. Don't put pressure on yourself, or you'll overthink even more.
Anonymous
March 14th, 2016 2:49am
You can stop overthinking and analyzing everything by telling yourself you are only going to remember part of it not everything as a whole just only what's important.
Anonymous
June 29th, 2021 11:57pm
A lot of people overthink. Luckily there are steps you can take to combat this. Some of these steps include exercise, yoga, meditation, prayer and talking to someone about it. These can all help a lot. I would also suggest therapy, or talking to friends or trusted family members about it. If you feel like no one supports you, you can contact your school guidance counselor. They are there to help you no matter what. Your family and friends care about you and want to be there to help you through all of your issues. Have the best day ever!
Anonymous
November 10th, 2020 7:03am
Take a break to breathe. It's okay to take breaks sometimes. Our brains need breaks, so go do something you enjoy. For example, I enjoy reading. Get into your own little zone, listen to some calming music, and just be at peace while doing your favourite thing. It's okay to overthink. It's okay to over-analyze things. But make sure you take time for yourself. Continuing to add more and more weight onto your shoulders without taking a break is never a good thing. Please make sure you're taking breaks. When do you feel you overthink / over-analyze things the most?
Anonymous
January 7th, 2020 7:36pm
Focus your brain on meditating words that block everything until you are calm. Like saying every color you see to yourself or looking for letters of the alphabet. Do this while taking deep breaths. When you feel like you've done this enough to maintain a positive frame of mind, really consider what is causing any anxiety or over analyzing and whether it holds a positive place in your life or is making you feel bad daily. Overthinking in regards to studying for a very big test might be OK. Overthinking whether you should be with someone that is incompatible should be a bit easier.
endearingLion70
December 19th, 2017 1:25pm
The best way is to act. The time spent on thinking and analyzing might create self doubt and anxiety. Acting on what makes you troubled can be done in many ways only you knows which one is the best for you.
rumiko
April 25th, 2017 3:03am
Overthinking and analyzing is difficult to stop, but I find that when I begin doing it, the easiest thing is to acknowledge the thoughts you are having, first and foremost, then apply Occam's Razor. The simplest solution is usually the correct one. Oftentimes it's a cycle, when one begins to overthink things, because one is unsure what the real answer is. Communication is also helpful in many cases. Frankly asking what someone else is thinking or why someone did something can settle a lot of uncertainty. It can be scary to do that, but it's often much scarier to not know and have a wild goose chase happening in your mind, because you will think the worst of a situation that may not be as bad as you think it is.
AdmirableTree
September 12th, 2016 4:40pm
Stick to your reality first and make a general decision how you want things to go. Often I find that things sort themselves without your input, so focus on what you can add to the situation.
Anonymous
November 30th, 2015 7:22am
Overthinking and Over analyzing can be a positive trait. I feel it is better to be overthinking a scenario than under thinking. But to answer your question, just be content with what you do and move onto other ideas so you don't dwell on subjects
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2015 8:11pm
step back, stop and relax. when you over think stop and think about the positives of the situation. remind yourself you are safe and okay and that is what matters
LovelyFlower94
August 18th, 2015 2:18pm
Think about the positive things in your life, sometimes it's easy to forget these things when you're overthinking the negatives. Make a list each day of all the little things that make your smile each day and realise that you don't need to overthink things that aren't affecting you yet.
playfulMango43
August 4th, 2015 11:08am
You should realize that everything is going to work itself out and that overthinking is simply gonna confuse you and be harmful to you.
AuroraBorealis
July 21st, 2015 10:42am
Take every day, every moment, in the present. Enjoy where you are, not how to move on, how to go back. Be in the moment, be proud of yourself. It's not about what you can do about the situation, but about where you are in it. Don't be afraid to live.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 6:10pm
Think of what you enjoy, instead of what makes you upset or think about things too much, you could do what you want.
Anonymous
April 28th, 2015 1:29am
Think about the situation and and analyze it. Then, go about focusing that energy toward accomplishing your goals. The more you accomplish, the less you will worry.
Anonymous
January 25th, 2015 5:59pm
When you focus on one issue it is common for people to overthink and analyze it constantly. However, when you open your mind and think about other things you have so much to think about so you can't waste time overthinking and analyzing. Just trust your gut and move on to the next issue.