Keep the focus on problem-solving

If the problem is something you have some control over, consider how you can prevent the problem or challenge yourself to identify five potential solutions.
If it's something you have no control over--like a natural disaster--think about the strategies you can use to cope with it. Focus on the things you can control, like your attitude and effort.

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6 Ways to Stop Overthinking Everything

inc.com

TOPICS IN THIS IDEA

Problem Solving

Science Says This is What Happens to You When You Overthink Everything

Of course, everyone overthinks a situation occasionally. But if you're a true overthinker, you'll struggle to quiet the constant barrage of thoughts. Overthinking is more than just a nuisance--studies show thinking too much can take a serious toll on your well-being. Here are the three dangers of being an overthinker: 1.

inc.com

Dangers of being an overthinker

It increases your chances of mental illness. And as your mental health declines, your tendency to ruminate increases.
It interferes with problem-solving. It will cau...

Carter X.

@cartervx13

How to stop overthinking your decisions

What's the one thing on your plate that you've been putting off making a decision on? Whether it's a simple decision such as choosing which duct-cleaning company to hire or a more complex one such as whether to accept a new job offer, sitting on a decision can make you feel like you're paralyzed.

fastcompany.com

Put a Deadline on Your Thoughts

To avoid over-ruminating about a decision, give yourself a time frame to think about it.

If it’s a small issue such as what paint color to paint your office, perhaps...

Schedule Your Thinking Time

To avoid thinking about problems all day long, schedule a specific time where you give yourself the freedom to think about the issue you need to make a decision about.

If thoughts about the issue creep into your brain before your scheduled thinking time, tell yourself “No, I’m going to think about that after dinner, not during this meeting”.

Problem Solving vs. Worrying

Dwelling on a problem, thinking “this is horrible, I can’t handle this” or rehashing things that happened in the past are an unproductive use of your time.

Thinking about what steps you can take to improve the situation or actively thinking of a solution to the problem are helpful toward moving forward.

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Robert H.

@robhh91

How to Stop Overthinking Everything: 12 Simple Habits

What is holding people back from the life that they truly want to live? I'd say that one very common and destructive thing is that they don't know how to stop overthinking. They overthink every little problem until it becomes bigger and scarier than it actually is.

positivityblog.com

Put things into a wider perspective

When you are thinking and thinking about something ask yourself: Will this matter in 5 years? Or even in 5 weeks?

It allows you to stop thinking about something and to focu...

Set short time-limits for decisions

For small decisions like if you should go and do the dishes, respond to an email or work out, give myself 30 seconds or less to make a decision.
For somewhat larger decisions that would take you days or weeks to think through in general, use a deadline for 30 minutes or for the end of the workday.

Stop setting your day up for stress

Get a good start, that will set the tone for your day. (read or work-out and then start with the most important task of the day).
Single-task and take regular breaks. This will help you to keep a sharp focus during your day and to get what’s most important done while also allowing you to rest.
Minimize your daily input, especially from social media consumption. It will clutter your mind as the day progresses.

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