How long do you spend worrying about things that are out of your control? Obsessive thinking can make you a prisoner in your own mind, making it harder to fall asleep at night and get going with work during the day. Once you get stuck in the cycle, however, it’s very hard to break free and often, willpower alone is not strong enough. Feeling less anxious can take a while to master but by taking these baby steps, you can walk your way to a clearer future.
- Increase Your Awareness
Often, obsessive thinking comes about in cycles, triggered by something that has happened in your life. The key to getting it under control is recognizing the symptoms before they spiral and understanding why they might have come about. If you find yourself having obsessive thoughts in very similar situations, it could be a sign that you need to address a deeper issue. The next time it all feels too much, try saying “stop” out loud. Speaking aloud can help to break the loop and draw attention to what is going on in your mind.
- Speak Your Worries Out Loud
Obsessive thinking often comes about as a result of internal worry. When you let your fears build up for too long, they can manifest in anxiety which over time, can be hard to control. If you name what is worrying you as soon as you start to worry about it, you can catch the issue and begin to work on it in a productive way. If you don’t feel like you want to talk to anyone about it, try simply saying out loud. Hearing the words spoken might be all that it takes to encourage you to solve the issue.
- Schedule Time To Think
If your worries are really building up on you, you might need to start scheduling a moment in which to really work on them. Taking 15 to 30 minute out of your day to write down your anxieties can really help you to work on what is troubling you and begin to find a solution. Knowing that your thoughts are down on paper will make it much easier for you to focus and deal with whatever comes your way.