If you constantly dwell on past mistakes, second-guess every choice, and can’t stop picturing disastrous outcomes, you’re probably an overthinker. Overthinking can be debilitating because our mind plays terrible tricks on us.
Luckily, you can also learn to trick your brain into reframing these destructive thoughts. For example, reciting positive affirmations can help you overcome overthinking.
We’ve compiled 60 affirmations for overthinking to help you combat your negative mindset.
Why Affirmations Are Important for Overthinking
Whether beating yourself up for your past choices or obsessing over a new relationship, overthinking won’t bring you anything good. Interestingly, many overthinkers would disagree with this statement. Research has found they believe overanalyzing their thoughts is helpful.
Unfortunately, this assumption isn’t based on reality. Overthinking is in no way beneficial or productive. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Overthinking is a harmful habit that can negatively affect your overall well-being.
Being stuck in your head can take a toll on your mental health. Likewise, dwelling on your perceived problems increases the risk of mental health issues. Sadly, the more your mental health declines, the more you tend to overthink. Unfortunately, this forms an endless loop that might be difficult to break.
Although overthinkers may believe they’re solving their problem by analyzing every angle, they’re only making it worse. Overthinking interferes with your problem-solving skills. You won’t be able to free yourself from stressing about the problem long enough to look for a solution.
Decision-making is another skill affected by overthinking. Creating many possible scenarios and potential consequences makes you unable to come to a decision and take action. This process will also drain your mental energy as you aren’t using it for anything productive. As a result, you’ll feel exhausted although you haven’t taken any action.
Overthinking also affects your sleeping patterns. A study has shown that your sleep duration and quality suffer the consequences. First, you’ll have difficulties falling asleep as your mind refuses to shut down. Once you fall asleep, it is less likely to be restorative and restful.
This consequence is noteworthy as sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your mind and body.
With all this in mind, it’s relatively easy to conclude you should strive to stop overthinking. This is where affirmations come into play.
Reciting affirmations can help you decide which thoughts to accept and which to deny. Using these statements, you can come to terms with some things out of your control, learning to accept thoughts about them without spiraling. In contrast, you’ll learn to deny destructive and obsessive thoughts control over your mind.
You can also use words of affirmation to retrain your brain. Instead of focusing on fear and self-doubt, you can teach your brain to focus on your qualities and accomplishments. Similarly, you’ll learn to shift your focus from past mistakes and regrettable choices to present blessings and future opportunities.
Speaking of the future, you can use affirmations if your mind starts making catastrophic predictions. These statements can bring you back to reality and shift your attention to everything good coming your way.
60 Affirmations for Overthinking
The overthinking phenomenon is on the rise. It’s no surprise, therefore, that many of us struggle with it every day. If you’re an overthinker, use these 60 affirmations to clear your mind from incessant worrying.
- Everyone faces challenges in their life.
- I am going to be just fine.
- I have been through this before, and I have survived.
- I am ready to overcome any obstacles that might come my way.
- I have so much to look forward to.
- I can solve any problem.
- I am doing my best, and that is good enough.
- I accept the past and embrace the future.
- Failure brings me closer to success.
- The lows in my life are temporary.
- My life is free from fear and self-doubt.
- I am free from anxiety and worry.
- Obsessive thinking does nothing for me.
- I am in complete control of my thoughts and feelings.
- I have the power to choose what I think about.
- I refuse to let my imagination create disastrous scenarios.
- I am in charge of my mind.
- My life is in my hands.
- I am safe, and nothing bad will happen to me.
- I choose to focus on the positive and helpful thoughts.
- I am determined to live in the moment.
- I can let go of things that no longer matter.
- I enjoy a clear mind.
- Moving on comes easily to me.
- Ample opportunities wait for me in the future.
- My destiny is in my hands.
- Every day is a blank canvas.
- I know what to let go of and what to hold on to.
I know what to let go of and what to hold on to.”
- I can identify and focus on my priorities.
- I am not defined by my mistakes.
- Every mistake is a chance to learn and grow.
- Things are less scary than my mind makes them out to be.
- I am capable of analyzing a situation logically.
- I can perceive the world as it is.
- I am worthy of being loved and accepted.
- My partner loves me just the way I am.
- I determine my own worth, not others.
- I am content with my choices and need no external validation.
- I deserve peace and harmony.
- I can remain calm and relaxed in stressful situations.
- I am stronger than my destructive thoughts.
- I refuse to let obsessive thoughts take over.
- My thoughts do not represent my reality.
- I can trust my intuition.
- I am a kind person.
- I am perfect the way I am.
- My mental health is important, and I will do everything to preserve it.
- I refuse to let other people’s opinions define me.
- I am proud of my accomplishments.
- I am grateful for everything I have.
- Trusting people comes easily to me.
- I can release my mind from anxiety.
- I am capable of decluttering my mind.
- I will rise above the thoughts trying to weigh me down.
- I refuse to worry about things that are out of my control.
- I release the urge to always be in control.
- I am saving my energy for positive thoughts.
- My body and mind need rest to stay healthy.
- My well-being is more important than my performance.
- I am willing to ask for help if the need arises.
How to Use Affirmations for Overthinking
The first step in successfully using affirmations is identifying what triggered the overthinking.
Recognizing the source of your negative thoughts will also enable you to choose the most effective affirmation from your arsenal.
Paying attention to your thought process can go a long way toward improving your overall mental health. Once you become aware of your bad mental habits, you can work on replacing them with healthier alternatives. In addition, analyzing your thoughts can be helpful if it leads to a positive outcome.
In this case, affirmations will allow you to take a proactive approach and avoid potential triggers. But, while you’re still training your mind, go for affirmations than can help with the most common challenges you face. Then, you’ll have them ready to go when your mind becomes cluttered with negative thoughts.
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing the best affirmation to help you with overthinking.
After you’ve made your choice, it’s time to put these powerful statements into use. Here are some tips to help you make the most of affirmations:
Apart from reciting affirmations, you can write them in your journal or on paper and carry them around with you. This is perfect for situations where you feel overwhelmed but can’t say the words aloud.
Final Thoughts on Affirmations for Overthinking
Overthinking is incredibly dangerous for our mental health and overall well-being. On top of that, the more it harms your health, the more destructive it becomes. Fortunately, positive affirmations can help you break this vicious cycle and reprogram your mind.
Check out our guide to get the most out of affirmations in every aspect of your life.
And if you want more encouraging affirmations, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 71 Body Positive Affirmations to Feel Your Best
- 62 Positive Affirmations to Have Courage During Hard Times
- 107 Positive Affirmations for Success in Life
Finally, if you want a simple tool to record and recite these affirmations, then check out these 13 affirmations apps that help you create a positive mindset.