Do you worry about everything because you think: if you can minimize all the possible things that could go wrong, you could think up a solution to fix it? You call this being organized, being on top of things and getting things done the right way. Does this sound like you? How do I know this? Because that’s me in a nutshell. It took a long time to finally get to a place where I can let things go, let them flow and sometimes just sit with things as they are. I had to understand the root cause of my worrying, stressing and overthinking. I had to connect with my emotions.

Everyday thoughts occur in your mind and their energy manifests physically in the body. Worrying, stressing and overthinking can affect the spleen and/or the stomach. People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and indigestion. Worry is a specific trapped emotion, while stressing out and overthinking is more generalized. You feel unsettled, but you cannot pinpoint what you're really stressing about and this makes it difficult to stop.

Why is it hard to stop worrying?

Perhaps it’s because it makes people feel more prepared to handle what could happen. But it could also be because it feels like we’re protecting ourselves on an emotional level. However, worrying all the time takes a toll on you, especially at night. It can cause you to be tense throughout the day, making you feel like a nervous wreck. For most chronic worriers, their overthinking, stressing and worrying get fueled by core beliefs they’ve been holding onto all their whole life.

How to stop worrying, stressing and overthinking:

It’s hard to focus on all the things you need to do when you’re worrying, overthinking and stressing yourself out. This is where having a go to strategy or a set of techniques you can do to interrupt yourself from spiraling down that rabbit hole.  

Tip #1: Challenge your thoughts 

Are you an all-or-nothing person? Do you look at things in black-or-white categories, with no middle ground. “If everything is not perfect, then I’m a total failure?” Or perhaps you hold yourself to a strict list of what you should or should not do and constantly beat yourself up if you break any of the rules? 

Tip #2: Decide if you can solve your worries or not

Going over the problem in your head distracts you from your emotions and makes you feel like you’re getting something accomplished. Start brainstorming. Make a list of all the possible solutions you can think of. Don’t get too hung up on finding the perfect solution. Focus on the things you have the power to change, rather than the situations or circumstances which are beyond your control. Tune into your emotions. Start accepting your feelings, even those that are uncomfortable or don’t make sense.

Tip #3: Interrupt the worry cycle

To interrupt overthinking, stressing or worrying, get up and start moving. Exercising is a natural way to release stress and anxiety and increase your sense of well-being. Paying attention to the sensation of your feet hitting the ground as you walk, run or dance. Meditation is another way to focus on your movements and breathing practice. Your mind is switched to the present, interrupting the endless looping of negative thoughts.