indigostone07
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” William Wordsworth
Overthinking is your mind trying to remember something important to you or solve a problem. The level of importance is subjective. What is important to you might be small and insignificant to someone else. One of the best ways to manage overthinking is to write down what is bothering you.
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-care and promotes healthy mental health. It is also one of the least utilized options. Others may turn to a paid professional, medication, support group, or more intensive strategy. Journaling is a low-cost private option that is available 24 hours a day and holds no judgement against what you are overthinking.
The first step is to choose a journal that is attractive to you. Do you want a simple yellow note pad? Do you want a fancy leather bound line book? Do you want something in between? Either way you can find a journal in the office supply section at the average retail location such as Walmart, Target, Staples, and anywhere you can find office supplies. Some may opt for journaling online or through a phone app.
The next step is to choose the writing tool of your choice. This also may be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Consider the writing tool to be an expression of your unique personal style or perspective on journaling your way to better mental health. Do you want a basic ink pen because journaling is something you just gotta get done? Do you want a smooth, shiny, gold pen because journaling is how you treat yourself like royalty? Do you have a sense of humor about your overthinking and choose a yellow pencil with a dinosaur topper? Or do opt for a basic stylus on an iPad? The writing tool is your choice. You set the mood.
Finally, you decide when you want to write in a journal. Do you want something consistent and done at the same time every day? Do you want to be spontaneous and only write on the most stressful days? Do you want something in between where you write one or twice a week and give yourself a kind of tune-up? Do what works for you. Decide on a plan that helps you minimize overthinking the most. There is no right or wrong answer. Keep in mind overthinking what happens to everyone in different intensities. Your mind is on hyper drive because it wants you to remember something or solve a problem. Help maintain your cool and your focus by writing down what is bothering you. Then decide what is within your control and can be addressed to resolve the stress.
Next Steps: Want more tips and strategies? Check out RL Collins’ latest self-help book, “The Hard Work of Happiness: 50 Life Lessons.”
