News NI - The Over Thinking Mind

Do you find yourself lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or worrying about events that haven't occurred?

 

You're not alone.

 

Many individuals, especially those balancing families, careers, and endless to-do lists, experience a mind that refuses to switch off.

 

This phenomenon, known as overthinking, is a deeply human response.

 

The encouraging news is that it can be gently unlearned.

 

Understanding Overthinking

 

Our brains are designed to keep us safe by scanning for danger, solving problems, and learning from past experiences.

 

However, when the mind doesn't feel safe—emotionally, physically, or subconsciously—it shifts into overdrive, looping through thoughts to prepare for every possible outcome.

 

Imagine having numerous tabs open at once, none fully loading.

 

It's exhausting and can lead to poor sleep, anxiety, physical tension, and a general feeling of being stuck.

 

The Impact of Constant Thinking

 

Being trapped in your thoughts makes it challenging to be present in your life.

 

Enjoying a walk, a conversation, or a quiet moment becomes difficult when your mind is filled with "what-ifs."

 

Overthinking can result in:

 

* Indecision and second-guessing

 

* Worry about relationships, finances, or health

 

* Persistent fatigue

 

* Difficulty being present

 

This isn't about being dramatic; it's about your nervous system being overstimulated and your mind trying to keep up.

 

Steps to Alleviate Overthinking

 

You can't think your way out of overthinking; it's not a thinking problem but a safety issue.

 

The solution lies in calming your nervous system and teaching your subconscious mind that it's safe to let go.

 

Here are a few gentle tools to begin with:

 

1. **The "Not Now" Whisper**

 

When your thoughts start to spiral, gently say to yourself:

 

Not now. I choose peace.

 

You're not ignoring the thought; you're simply letting it know it's not needed right now.

 

This works best when said softly and kindly.

 

2. **Soothing Breath Technique**

 

Try this calming breath:

 

* Inhale for 4

 

* Hold for 2

 

* Exhale for 6

 

This helps shift your body into its calming state and brings you out of the head and into the body.

 

3. **Mini Hypnotic Reset**

 

At bedtime or during an overthinking spiral, close your eyes.

 

Picture a warm golden light at the top of your head.

 

With each breath, imagine that light moving slowly through your face, chest, arms, and legs, relaxing every part of you.

 

Let your thoughts pass like clouds.

 

Whisper:

 

I am safe now. I choose to rest. My mind can be quiet.

 

You're not stopping the thoughts; you're simply choosing to soften them.

 

4. **Hypnotherapy – A Tool That Works**

 

Hypnotherapy guides your subconscious into a deeply relaxed state.

 

From there, you can begin to:

 

* Release old patterns of fear and control

 

* Build a sense of inner safety

 

* Reconnect with your calm, confident self

 

Clients often say:

 

“I felt like my brain finally got a massage.”

 

Or:

 

“I didn't realize how loud my thoughts were until they went quiet.”

 

It's not magic, but it can feel magical.

 

Embracing a Quiet Mind

 

You are not your thoughts, and they are not the truth.

 

You're simply carrying too much.

 

Your mind has been doing its best to protect you.

 

Now, it's time to teach it a new way—a softer, quieter way.

 

It begins with one breath, one moment of stillness, one gentle whisper of “not now.”

 

You are safe.

 

You are enough.

 

And it's okay to rest.

 

For more information or support, contact Lisa Peacocke at lisapeacocke@gmail.com or call +44 7793015536.

 

Embrace the journey to a quieter mind today.