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How can I stop thinking about the future?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 06/29/2021 at 10:00am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Evelyn Coker, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I am down to earth and enjoy working with all clients. I have a special passion to support teen girls and women. My work is nonjudgmental and provides a safe space to grow.

Top Rated Answers
SpreadTheSMILES
January 14th, 2015 7:57pm
Thinking about the future can be good. It's good to plan ahead and think a bout what you want to or are going to do next. However, if you can only always think about the future, I'd try focusing on the small things around you. That can open up your brain into what's happening right now, in the present.
IntuitiveDrops
June 1st, 2015 3:43pm
Worrying about the future seems to be linked to thinking you can´t handle it. Know that you overcame great hurdens in the past and that you are absolutely able to face the unknown even with limited knowledge. Trust your inner ability to have the strength and the right skills at the right moment. You will see, that the more you trust and center in yourself, the more you will be able to access the skills you have already inside of you to be successful in any given moment. That doesn´t mean you won´t make mistakes, but you will feel like you had more options when you were fully present instead of reacting in your automatic ways.
ImallEars97
November 30th, 2015 12:40am
Thinking about the future can be a scary idea. With so many possibilities and lots being left unknown, it can cause a lot of worry and unnecessary stress. I would suggest thinking about what you have now and what you are greatful for each day. These are the things that matter most to you as it's what you are able to influence and change for the better right now. The future cannot be written and if you feel as though you can;t change your future it's because you can't. But today, you can make a change. It may take time, it mat take a few weeks, but if you are acting on your issues now rather than thinking of the consequences they have in the future, you will have the clarity of mind you desire. Keep yourself busy, focus on what you have and what makes you happy right now as it's natural for change to occur, but that's in the future, not today :)
watermelynn
January 11th, 2015 7:26am
You stop thinking about the future by focusing on the present. Think about all the amazing things you did. Think about what a great day it was today. Think about making yourself the best you can be, and the best you want to be in the moment. Take each day one by one, and cherish each individual moment. After all, the greatest gift in life is the "present".
salmaA99
March 12th, 2015 7:32pm
only thinking about your future won't solve anything. you have to live the present to the fullest in order to shape your future,instead of wasting your present by worrying about the future :)
Greatlistener87
April 19th, 2016 2:47am
Thinking about what can happen in the future is pointless since you will never know whats going to actually happen since you are not even there yet to know.
Anonymous
March 6th, 2018 12:15pm
Realise the fact that our future is not entirely in our hands....certain things are out of our control...admit it and move on..why worry about the future that we are not sure about and ruin our wonderful present.....we can do lots of good things in present instead of worrying and this will automatically brighten your future....believe me its true...so focus on your present...every moment of it...
Anonymous
November 24th, 2015 5:18pm
Thinking about everyday small deeds of pleasant feeling is a good way to start. We can shift from thinking to the future by thinking to the present. We can meditate, relax, calm down and mostly: see the good as it should be in our lives.
Anonymous
December 5th, 2017 1:37am
By simply prioritizing the activities and start doing them one by one. We think about future out of lack of clarity and not knowing how to proceed next.
Anonymous
November 12th, 2019 5:33pm
To stop thinking about the future try with practicing mindfulness! Focus on the present moment and every time you catch yourself thinking about the future, focus your mind on what you are doing in the present moment. Mindfulness is to be practiced just as when we exercise our muscles! Doing yoga and meditation can also be helpful, because they both emphasize the importance of breathing, and learning how to breathe well is so important for staying focused and being less anxious. Remember that breathing is the only physiological process we CAN actually modify consciously! Isn't that amazing?! So...keep calm and practice mindfulness! :)
SirJayalot
March 31st, 2020 4:14am
I think we all tend to get blinded by what is in front of us and to overthink it. What most of the time turns out to be a little thing. To stop thinking about the future is for me to realize that a lot of things are out of my control anyway. And to worry about things that are out of my control seems to be a waste of time. Time that can be spent on more positive thinking and self-development for example. I had too many times in my life that I worried about the future, and later looking back and think to myself: Why did I ever bother to worry about this or that.
Anonymous
October 11th, 2016 5:19am
Be present now. Live the moment now. Be in the now. Meditation can help achieve a sense if inner peace,
Anonymous
June 14th, 2015 10:26am
Personally I think about what happening now! just focus on what happening in your life right now and its a great distraction :)
BuddyKami
July 20th, 2015 3:33am
I always have little moments when I think about the future, I can't really help it. The way I deal with it is by doing things to take my mind off of it, like video games, or doing art, or even my little meditation sessions I have to clear my head.
cristiana33
July 30th, 2015 9:25am
In my opinion, thinking about the future can help you figure out the bigger picture of a problem you are facing in the present. You can think about the many possibilities or consequences of a decision you are making. It is well to be able to see more than what is right in front of your eyes. I would say that maybe you want to learn how to be more present in the now? Maybe practicing mindfulness would be a good way of becoming more connected with what's around you while still keeping an eye on the future.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2018 2:39am
We all tend to think about the future. It is a matter of concern for all. But thinking too much about the future can make you miss out the happy moments of the present. This can keep you from enjoying the present. It is okay to think and work to secure your future. But we shouldn't let such thoughts eat away the present. Think about the present. Be in the present. Think about how you can make the present better. It will definitely enjoy your future in a positive way. Thinking too much about the future and keeping expectations can bring sorrow if you dont attain them. So focus on the now! Enjoy every moment so that you dont have any regrets in the future! I hope this helps!!
TheKalmare
June 29th, 2021 10:00am
Well, the first question would be why would you want to stop about the future? Research suggests that thinking about the future—a process known as prospection—can help us lead more generous and fulfilled lives. ... Yes, thinking about the future can trigger anxiety—but a growing body of research suggests that it can also make our lives more meaningful. So another good question is how to see the future in a more positive way... For some people setting up goals and working to achieve them is a great way to keep them going. Regardless, It is good sometimes to live in the moment and not think about neither the future nor the past. Regular meditation should help you in this field, it will improve your focus and you will feel more in control over your thoughts...