Whether you have anxiety or are just feeling overwhelmed by a stressful mommy life, overthinking can cause more stress and make staying organized, productive, and focused more difficult. So, during these turbulent time and when you have a crushing to-do list, how can you stop overthinking and calm your thoughts?
Do a Brain Dump
Getting everything out of your head and organizing your thoughts can be such a great stress reliever.
There are two ways to do a brain dump. The first is to grab a piece of paper and randomly write down every thought, worry, or task that comes to your mind. The second approach to clearing your mind with a brain dump is to systematically write down everything, whether it’s at the front of your mind or not.
I love to follow a specific template for doing a brain dump to make sure I completely declutter my mind and get every stressor out. Follow along with the Ultimate Guide to Doing a Brain Dump to make sure you’re not missing anything (and that you’re organizing your thoughts as you go).
Follow a Routine
Following a routine or schedule is the perfect way to limit overthinking.
These are some of my favorite ways to create more routines and simplify everything in your life:
- Create a clothing schedule, start a capsule wardrobe, or wear a daily uniform
- Follow a cleaning schedule
- Map out your ideal week and day so you can be more productive, even when you’re stressed and overthinking everything
Journal
Have you tried journaling? Whether you follow a specific journaling guide (I love the Write the Word journals from Cultivate What Matters) or just spend a few minutes each morning or before bed writing your daily routine, creating a gratitude journal or writing in a “line a day” notebook, you’ll be able to de-stress and clear your head.
Limit the information that you consume
While it’s good to continually learn and stay abreast of current events, there’s such a thing as information overload.
Whether you set a limit on your iPhone so that you can’t access certain apps during certain times (before bed, while you should be sleeping, or when you should be working are three optimal times to set limits), take a hiatus from the news, or go on a social media fast for a period of time, like a weekend… or 30 days, if you’re really brave, limiting outside stressors is a great way to prevent overthinking.
Limiting your information is also a great way to be more productive. Too often, overthinkers tend to “research” every aspect instead of actually doing the work, so take this opportunity to dive in (you can always make changes later).
Exercise
Exercise, especially doing a strenuous activity, is a great way to pause the overthinking. Bonus points if you take your exercise outside because studies show that nature, even if you’re just going for a walk in your neighborhood, has an added stress-relief benefit.
If you’re new to exercise, start with something small. Even if you’re busy, exercise can help you relieve stress and be more productive.
Here are some simple ways to add exercise to a busy routine.
Do something uplifting
Do you have a hobby like knitting, using a Cricut machine (weeding vinyl is the ultimate mindless activity), or painting? Doing anything you love has so many health benefits, and it’s a great way to take your mind off your worries.
Listen to a podcast, read a fiction book, or work on your hobby to immerse your mind in something else.
Get productive
Sometimes, the best way to relieve stress and stop overthinking is to do an activity that requires no thought at all but still requires effort.
One of my favorite ways to relieve stress in a productive way is to vacuum the house. Between the monotonous tone of the vacuum, the straight lines in the carpet, and the extra steps that I rack up on my FitBit, cleaning is a great way to relieve stress.
Banish frustration and overthinking with these 17 ways to stress clean.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, stop overthinking by following these tips.