You may notice:
• Constant thinking, even when tired
• Replaying past conversations
• Imagining worst-case scenarios
• Difficulty relaxing or focusing
• Feeling mentally exhausted
Many people say:
“My brain just won’t shut up.”
Here’s something reassuring:
Overthinking is not a sign of intelligence or weakness.
It’s a brain stuck in problem-solving mode, even when there’s nothing to solve.
Let’s help it step out of that loop.
Thought Parking (Noticing, Not Solving)
What this helps with
• Rumination
• Replaying events
• “What if” thinking
• Mental exhaustion
Why this works
Your brain thinks every thought needs immediate attention.
But not every thought is urgent, useful, or true.
This tool teaches your brain:
“I can think about this later.”
How to do it
1. When a thought repeats, say:
“Noticing an overthinking thought.”
2. Imagine placing that thought in a parking lot or box
3. Tell yourself:
“I’ll come back to this later.”
That’s it.
You’re not forcing the thought away.
You’re postponing engagement.
If the same thought returns
Repeat the same steps.
Calm repetition trains the brain faster than arguments.
Worry Time (Containing the Noise)
What this helps with
• All-day anxiety
• Constant mental chatter
• Worry spilling into sleep
Why this works
When worry has no boundaries, it spreads everywhere.
Giving it a time and place shrinks its control.
How to do it
1. Choose a fixed 15-minute window daily
2. Call it your worry time
3. Write or think all worries during this time
Outside this window:
Say:
“Not now. I’ll think about this at worry time.”
Most worries lose intensity by the time the window arrives.
A Helpful Image
Think of your mind like a radio:
• Overthinking is too many channels playing at once
• These tools lower the volume — not by force, but by structure
Silence comes after containment, not suppression.
A Gentle Truth
Your thoughts are events, not commands.
You don’t have to attend every mental meeting you’re invited to.
Practice creates space.
Space creates calm.