Stoic ways to Stop Overthinking - Stoicism

[Music] [Music] anxiety tension and inefficiency can result from the mental habit of overthinking stoicism and Antiquated philosophy provides ageless guidance for controlling and conquering this inclination Xeno obsidium established stoicism in Athens early in the 3rd Century BC emphasizing the growth of One's Own virtue and wisdom as the road to happiness seven stoic methods to help you quit overanalyzing are as follows one take concentrate to what you can manage making the line between what we can control and what we cannot is one of the key pillars of stoicism prominent stoic philosopher epicus highlighted that although we

are powerless over outside forces we do have control over how we react to them worrying about circumstances beyond our control frequently results in overthinking which breeds annoyance and anxiety to put this into practice deliberately consider the elements of a situation that you can control for example you have no control over how a job interview turns out but you do have control over how you prepare and behave you may clear your mind of Superfluous Thoughts by concentrating on the things you can control and accepting the things you cannot two put meditation and presence into work living

in harmony with nature means being totally present in each moment as stoicism emphasizes another stoic philosopher senica cautioned against allowing Reg threats from the past or anxieties about the future to dominate our minds he maintained that we can only control the present moment use meditation to stop overthinking by returning your focus to the here and now anytime you catch yourself daydreaming you may stay grounded by using easy methods like mindful walking meditation and deep breathing through practicing presence you may break the pattern of overanalyzing and bring your attention back back to the present moment three

apply reasoned analysis the application of reason to analyze our ideas and beliefs is encouraged by stoicism Roman Emperor and stoic philosopher Marcus aelius frequently wrote in his private Reflections about examining his own ideas and deeds he felt that we may better comprehend and control our thoughts if we challenge their veracity and utility when you catch yourself overanalyzing consider whether your worries are based on illogical fears or on reasonable information face the presumptions and convictions that underly your excessive thinking do they make sense do they offer you any assistance this logical analysis might assist a lay

unwarranted fears and direct your attention towards productive thought processes four apply the control dichotomy another key idea in STO is ism is the duality of control which is knowing what is and is not under our control overthinking can be curbed very well with the use of this principle you may Focus your attention more effectively if you divide your worries into those that you can influence and those that you cannot make a note of the things that are bothering you right now and group them together give a list of concrete actions you can take for the

ones that are under your control remember that worrying about people who are out of your control is pointless and turn your attention to the things that you can manage instead this exercise lessons overthinking and mental clutter five adopt a negative outlook premeditatio malorum or negative visualization is a stoic method that entails envisioning the worst case situation although it may seem paradoxical doing this can help you become more prepared for future obstacles and less afraid of the unknown you can lessen your anxiety's hold Over You by facing them headon every day take a few minutes to

imagine possible obstacles and how you would overcome them this isn't about worrying about the worst case scenario rather it's about accepting that it could happen and preparing your answer in your head by practicing this you can strengthen your resilience and lessen the worry that comes with obsessing over potential outcome six engage in conscious discomfort stoics held that willingly putting oneself through hardship Fosters resilience and mental toughness you can train your mind to deal with bigger problems without overanalyzing by purposefully taking on little obstacles we call this voluntary discomfort practice include minor acts of suffering in

your everyday regimen including exercising fasting or taking cold showers these Act s lessen the anxiety of discomfort that frequently leads to overthinking by serving as a reminder of your capacity for endurance and adaptation you will eventually gain more self assurance when navigating life's uncertainties seven contemplate and keep a journal two effective stoic techniques for controlling thoughts and emotions are reflection and journaling famously Marcus aelius kept a notebook in which he considered his beliefs deeds and ideals this exercise strengthens stoic ideals helps you recognize overthinking habits and helps you clear your mind every day set aside

some time to think back on your experiences and record your ideas in writing consider your experiences responses to obstacles and ways to improve using stoic principles by giving your ideas a disciplined Outlet journaling can help keep keep them from spiraling into overthinking overthinking can be a major hindrance to productivity and mental calm these seven stoic techniques might help you develop a more resilient and concentrated Mind by implementing them into your everyday life recall to embrace negative visualization exercise voluntary discomfort apply the dichotomy of control utilize mindfulness apply logical analysis concentrate on what you can control

and journal your Reflections these age-old methods which have their roots and knowledge from Antiquity provide useful answers to contemporary problems and help you lead a more purposeful peaceful life [Music]