The 3 Things You Need To Do To Stop Overthinking In Its Tracks | The Calm Lab
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The 3 Things You Need To Do To Stop Overthinking In Its Tracks (And Reduce Your Anxiety)

Three simple steps to calm your nervous system, get some perspective, and actually move forward, instead of staying stuck in your head.

If you've tried talking therapy, read the books, and can probably explain why you overthink better than most therapists, but you still feel stuck in the same loop, this guide is for you.

Here's the thing: overthinking isn't a thinking problem. It's a nervous system problem. That's why insight on its own doesn't shift it. You need to work with your body first, then your perspective, then your next step.

That's exactly what these three steps do: Regulate → Reality check → Respond.

Step one
1

Regulate

Before you can think your way through anything, your nervous system needs to come out of overdrive. This is where EFT (tapping) comes in.

EFT combines gentle tapping on specific points on your body with a focus on what's actually bothering you. It sends a calming signal to your nervous system while you're thinking about the thing that's stressing you out, which helps your brain learn that the thought isn't a threat. It's simple, you can do it anywhere, and you'll usually feel the difference within a few minutes.

Follow along with this short video before you move on to step two:

Give it your full attention if you can. It works best when you actually tap along rather than just watch.

Step two
2

Reality check

Once you're more regulated, it's much easier to get some perspective. This is where the Circles of Influence exercise comes in, a simple way to see what's actually yours to work with, and what isn't.

CONCERN INFLUENCE CONTROL
Control: the things only you decide. Your actions, your words, how you respond.
Influence: things you can affect but not decide alone. Relationships, conversations, outcomes at work.
Concern: things that matter to you but aren't yours to control. Other people's opinions, the future, the past.
Grab a pen and paper and draw the three circles yourself, one inside the other. Think about whatever's on your mind right now, and write down what belongs in each circle. Most overthinking lives in the outer circle, and seeing that on paper is often enough to loosen its grip.
Step three
3

Respond

Now that you're calmer and clearer, it's time to actually move, not just think about moving. Ask yourself these three questions and write down whatever comes up:

Am I truly solving something, or repeating myself?

What do I actually KNOW to be true right now? How do I know this?

What is one small, helpful action I can take next?

Ready to feel more like yourself again?

If this guide helped, a free 20-minute consult call is the natural next step. On the call, we'll:

Talk about what's been going on for you and identify the patterns keeping you stuck
Map out a realistic plan to help you calm your nervous system, build confidence and feel more like yourself again
Have an honest conversation about whether working together is the right fit, and what that could look like if it is
Book your free consult call

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