How to Calm an Overactive Mind
Write pressing thoughts down., Use a journal., Focus on one task at a time., Learn to sort information.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Write pressing thoughts down.
If you find your mind racing before a bed or while you're trying to work on something else, take a moment to organize your thoughts.
Write down the things you need to get down on a to-do list.
Put any ideas down in a notebook or computer file for that purpose.
Jot any questions or thoughts down on a notepad.
Once you've taken a few minutes to organize your thoughts on paper or a screen, your mind will be freer to work on other tasks., Another helpful writing technique is to make writing in a journal a part of your nightly routine.
Taking time to write about your thoughts and feelings can have a similar effect to telling someone about them; that is, it helps draw out some of the tension and anxiety.
Don't think you have to write about anything specific--just start writing, and see what comes out., It's tempting in today's busy world to try to do more than one thing at a time.
However, your brain isn't built to work like that; rather, it's built to focus on one task at a time.
If you try to focus on more than one task, your work becomes sloppier and you'll feel mentally disheveled., When you have too much information coming in, it can feel overwhelming.
Try to develop a system to sort through information as it comes in, only keeping the important stuff.
The extraneous details just bog down your mind.
One way to know what's important is to listen to what's being repeated, as usually only the important stuff gets that treatment. -
Step 2: Use a journal.
-
Step 3: Focus on one task at a time.
-
Step 4: Learn to sort information.
Detailed Guide
If you find your mind racing before a bed or while you're trying to work on something else, take a moment to organize your thoughts.
Write down the things you need to get down on a to-do list.
Put any ideas down in a notebook or computer file for that purpose.
Jot any questions or thoughts down on a notepad.
Once you've taken a few minutes to organize your thoughts on paper or a screen, your mind will be freer to work on other tasks., Another helpful writing technique is to make writing in a journal a part of your nightly routine.
Taking time to write about your thoughts and feelings can have a similar effect to telling someone about them; that is, it helps draw out some of the tension and anxiety.
Don't think you have to write about anything specific--just start writing, and see what comes out., It's tempting in today's busy world to try to do more than one thing at a time.
However, your brain isn't built to work like that; rather, it's built to focus on one task at a time.
If you try to focus on more than one task, your work becomes sloppier and you'll feel mentally disheveled., When you have too much information coming in, it can feel overwhelming.
Try to develop a system to sort through information as it comes in, only keeping the important stuff.
The extraneous details just bog down your mind.
One way to know what's important is to listen to what's being repeated, as usually only the important stuff gets that treatment.
About the Author
Alice Ramos
Committed to making DIY projects accessible and understandable for everyone.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: