Ever feel like your mind is on a never-ending hamster wheel of thoughts? You’re not alone.

We’ve all been there: overthinking every little detail until it spirals out of control. It’s exhausting, right?

Sometimes it feels like we are trapped in our own heads, unable to escape the constant flurry of thoughts and worries.

You might think that’s just how your brain works. But, trust me, it doesn’t have to be this way.

What if I told you there are simple habits you could adopt that could help quieten that overactive mind of yours?

In this article, we’re going to explore those calming habits. Some might surprise you. Some might seem daunting.

But remember, I’m not here to force anything on you. I’m just here to offer some potential solutions.

Ready? Let’s dive in…

1) Embrace mindfulness

Mindfulness is simply being fully present in the moment. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? 

But it takes practice, just like any other skill. 

Start by focusing on your breath. Notice the rise and fall of your chest, the sensation of air entering your nostrils. Bit by bit, you’ll notice your mind starts to calm down.

Now, whenever I catch myself spiraling into overthinking, I take a few moments to practice mindfulness. 

And trust me when I say this, it works wonders.

2) Involve yourself in physical activities

Remember those times when you were a kid and you would play outside until you were worn out? You’d come home, eat dinner and sleep like a baby. There was no room for overthinking. Well, why can’t we do the same now?

Physical activity is a fantastic way to calm your mind. One of my personal favorites is going for a walk in nature. The fresh air, the sounds of birds chirping, the rustling of leaves…it’s incredibly soothing.

I’ve also tried activities like yoga and swimming. They require focus and coordination which leaves less room for wandering thoughts.

3) Adopt a regular sleep schedule

Did you know that overthinking can often be linked to sleep deprivation? Research has shown that our brains process information differently when we’re sleep-deprived, leading to more negative thoughts and overthinking.

A regular sleep schedule can significantly help in reducing the spiral of thoughts. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. 

This not only improves the quality of your sleep but also helps regulate your body’s internal clock, reducing the chances of you laying awake at night with thoughts running wild in your head.

4) Practice gratitude

Gratitude is about focusing on the positive aspects of life, the things that bring us joy and happiness. It might be a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning, a call from an old friend, or simply the fact that you made it through the day.

Taking a moment each day to reflect on these positives can shift our mindset away from overthinking. It’s like a gentle reminder to our overactive minds that not everything is as bad as it seems. 

And sometimes, that’s all we need to break free from the spiral of thoughts.

5) Limit your screen time

Ah, the digital age. It’s a blessing and a curse, isn’t it?

For me, I realized my overthinking skyrocketed when I was spending too much time on my phone or laptop. The constant barrage of news updates, social media posts, and emails was overwhelming, to say the least.

So I decided to set some boundaries. I started by setting a ‘screen curfew’ an hour before bedtime. No phone, no laptop, just me and a good book. And you know what? It made a huge difference.

Over time, I also started taking regular digital detoxes, giving myself a whole day without screens once a week. 

It was challenging at first, but it gave my mind the much-needed break it needed from the digital world.

6) Learn to let go

Overthinking often stems from a fear of losing control – the ‘what ifs’ and ‘should haves’ can keep us awake at night. But life is unpredictable, and no matter how much we try, we can’t control everything.

I learned this the hard way when a project I had been working on for months didn’t go as planned. I spent sleepless nights overthinking every decision, every step. It was exhausting.

Then, a mentor told me something that changed my perspective – “You’ve done your best, now let it go.” And so I did. And it was liberating.

Learning to let go is not easy, but it’s essential. Remember, overthinking about things you can’t change only steals your peace of mind.

7) Find a creative outlet

Did you know that creativity can help quiet your mind? Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening or even cooking, creative activities help distract your mind from spiraling thoughts.

I took up painting during a particularly stressful period in my life and found it to be incredibly calming. The concentration required to mix colors and create images took my mind off my worries.

So find a creative outlet that you enjoy and lose yourself in it. It’s an excellent way to channel your energy positively.

8) Make time for self-care

In our fast-paced lives, self-care often takes a back seat. But it is as important as any other task on our to-do list.

For me, self-care means taking a long bath with my favorite lavender-scented candles or going for a quiet walk in the park. These little acts of self-love create a peaceful space in my mind where overthinking has no place.

So make time for self-care. It’s not selfish, but necessary for your mental well-being.

Overthinking can be tough to deal with, but with these calming habits, you can learn to manage it better.

Remember, it’s okay to have bad days. What matters is that you don’t let those days define you.

Take care of your mind and it will take care of you.