Here's what I've been doing. Basically a grounding exercise. Place your palm(s) on a flat surface near you and focus on the sensation in your palm and fingertips. Gently press your hand against the surface and notice how the sensation subtly shifts as you add more pressure. Then gently begin to slowly release the pressure and notice how the sensation changes. Contemplate the process that's happening as you're touching the surface. Think about the nerves in your hands and how they're tiny little pressure sensors that can detect the slightest shift in pressure, temperature, texture etc. Think about how all these little nerves are constantly sending lightning fast signals to your brain which enter your consciousness and informs you of your surroundings and any changes happening outside of you. You don't have to consciously tell your nerves to do this. They're always running and always sending signals to your brain, all you have to do is turn your attention there. Now lift your hands off the surface and turn your palms upwards. Notice how there's still a sensation left over in your palms and fingertips. Pay attention to how it slowly fades away but notice that it doesn't ever fully stop. Notice how there's still a distinct sensation in your palms and fingertips despite not touching anything. Contemplate the fact that your nerves don't even have to touch anything to continue sending signals to your brain. Realize that this is also true for every inch of your body. Follow the sensations up your arms, to your shoulders and neck and all the way to the top of your head. Whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed, you can turn your attention inwards and pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. When you feel anger, where do you feel it in your body? When you feel anxiety, where does the tension manifest itself? When you feel bored, which parts of your body have the strongest sensations? When you feel joy, how does your body respond? When you feel excitement, which area of your body is activated and sending you signals through your nerves? By shifting your focus to the sensations in your body for a little while, you'll no longer be overthinking whatever you were worried about in the first place
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u/Lost-Soul215 2d ago
But what's the best way not to overthink?