Ever feel like your brain has too many tabs open, all at once? Yeah, me too. That constant whirring, the replaying of conversations, the second-guessing – it can be absolutely exhausting. It’s like your mind is stuck in a loop, and you just want to find the off-switch.
If you're nodding along, know you're not alone. So many of us struggle with overthinking. It can steal our joy, sap our energy, and make even simple decisions feel overwhelming. But what if I told you there's a simple, gentle way to start quieting that inner noise?
Understanding the Overthinking Trap
Let's be honest, our brains are wired to think. That's a good thing. But sometimes, that thinking goes into overdrive. We get caught in cycles of "what ifs," worry about things we can't control, or pick apart past events. This kind of thinking rarely leads to solutions. Instead, it often just makes us feel more anxious or stuck.
I know for Stephen, our founder here at GoodExistence.com, breaking free from habits like gaming and binge eating wasn't just about changing actions. It was also about changing the thoughts that fueled those habits. The mind can be a powerful ally or a tough critic. Overthinking often plays the role of that critic, whispering doubts and fears. When he was working to lose over 110 pounds, there were surely moments of doubt, moments where old thought patterns tried to pull him back. Learning to manage those thoughts was key.
How Affirmations Can Be Your Lifeline
So, what can we do? Affirmations are one powerful tool. Think of them as gentle reminders, positive statements you repeat to yourself. They work by helping to reprogram your thought patterns. It's like creating new, calmer pathways in your brain. Instead of letting the anxious thoughts run wild, you consciously choose to focus on more positive, empowering ones.
It’s not about pretending problems don’t exist. It's about choosing where you direct your mental energy. It's about building inner resilience and a more peaceful inner state.
25 Affirmations for Overthinking Relief
Ready to give it a try? Here are 25 affirmations you can use to find some relief from overthinking. Find a few that resonate with you, or use them all!
- I release thoughts that do not serve me.
- I am in control of my thoughts, not the other way around.
- I choose peace in this present moment.
- My mind is becoming calmer with each breath.
- I trust my ability to handle whatever comes my way.
- It is safe for me to let go of worry.
- I focus on what I can control and release the rest.
- I am doing my best, and my best is enough.
- I replace worry with curiosity and hope.
- I am grounded and centered.
- I approve of myself and my choices.
- I am capable of finding solutions.
- I invite peace into my mind and heart.
- All is well, right here, right now.
- I release the need to have all the answers.
- My thoughts are not facts.
- I can observe my thoughts without getting caught in them.
- I am resilient and strong.
- I choose to focus on the good in my life.
- I let go of past regrets and future anxieties.
- I am worthy of peace and quiet in my mind.
- I breathe in calm and breathe out tension.
- Today, I will not overthink things.
- I have the power to create a peaceful inner environment.
- I am learning to trust the flow of life.
Making These Words Work for You
Just reading these affirmations is a good start. But to really feel their power, try these simple tips:
- Say them aloud: Hearing the words can make them feel more real.
- Write them down: Keep a few favorites on sticky notes, in your journal, or as your phone background.
- Repeat regularly: Try saying them in the morning, before bed, or anytime you feel your mind starting to race.
- Feel the feeling: As you say them, try to embody the feeling behind the words. If you say "I am calm," try to actually feel a sense of calm spreading through you.
- Be patient: Changing thought patterns takes time. Be kind to yourself.
Sometimes, an affirmation might feel a bit off, like it’s too big a leap from where you are. That’s okay. You can tweak them. If "My mind is completely peaceful" feels untrue, try "I am working towards a more peaceful mind" or "I invite moments of peace into my day."
More Than Just Words: Building a Quieter Mind
Affirmations are a fantastic tool, and they can be even more powerful when combined with other practices. Stephen's journey is a great example of how building a holistic approach can create lasting change and mental peace.
When he set out to lose over 110 pounds and overcome unhealthy habits, it wasn’t just about diet and exercise. It was a mental game too. He had to fight off the internal chatter that said "it's too hard" or "you'll fail." While he might not have called them affirmations, the commitment to a healthier life, the celebration of small wins – these are all acts of affirming a new, better reality.
His approach to productivity – short bursts of deep work for 2-4 hours – is also a great way to combat overthinking. When you're deeply focused on a task, there's less mental space for worries to creep in. It channels your mental energy constructively.
Practicing daily gratitude is another powerful practice Stephen embraces. When you consciously look for things to be thankful for, it shifts your focus away from what’s wrong or what you’re worried about, and onto the good that’s already present. It’s hard to overthink when your heart is full of thanks.
And for Stephen, strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith has been a profound source of peace and purpose. Faith can provide a deep sense of trust and an anchor in something greater than ourselves. The prayers, the focus on God’s love and guidance – these can be incredibly powerful in quieting an anxious mind and redirecting thoughts towards peace and hope.
These practices, whether it's focused work, gratitude, or faith, all help to create an inner environment where overthinking has less room to take hold.
Overthinking doesn't have to rule your life. You have the power to quiet the noise and find more peace. Affirmations are a wonderful starting point – simple, accessible, and surprisingly effective.
So, here’s a little challenge: Pick one affirmation from the list above. Just one. Write it down where you’ll see it tomorrow. Say it to yourself a few times. See how it feels. What small step can you take today to invite a little more quiet into your mind?
