1. Recognize when you’re stuck in your head and take action.

Overthinking can become so engrained that you don’t even realize it’s happening. Start paying attention to how you think to become more aware of the problem. Recognize that replaying events in your mind or worrying over things you can’t change isn’t healthy. Only when one’s thoughts lead to productive action is one’s thinking useful.

2. Maintain a Problem-Solving Focus

Dwelling on your issues isn’t productive, but looking for solutions is. Consider how you can prevent the problem if it’s something you have some control over, or set a challenge for yourself to come up with five alternative solutions if it’s something you have no control over. Consider the tactics you can use to cope with something you have no control over, such as a natural disaster. Concentrate on the aspects of your life that you have control over, such as your attitude and effort.

3. Put Your Thoughts to the Test

It’s all too simple to get into a pessimistic mindset. So, before you conclude that calling in sick will get you fired or that missing one deadline would get you fired, consider the possibility that your fears are exaggerated. Remember that your emotions will make it difficult for you to see things objectively. Examine the facts from a distance. What proof do you have that your hypothesis is correct?

4. Learn how to be mindful.

When you’re living in the moment, it’s impossible to dwell on the past or to be concerned about the future. Mindfulness can help you become more mindful of the current moment. Mindfulness takes practice, just like any other skill, but it can help to lessen over thinking over time. There are classes, books, apps, courses, and videos available to help you improve your mindfulness skills.

5. Change to a different channel

Telling oneself to stop thinking about something is a bad idea. The harder you attempt to keep a thought out of your head, the more likely it is to return. To change the channel in your brain, adjust your activities. Exercise, talk about something completely different or work on a diverting project. If you do something else, the flow of negative thoughts will stop.

Also Read: What If Your “Overthinking” Is Surprisingly Beneficial For You?