Did you know that thought addiction is the most insidious and damaging addiction to our health and welbeing than any other addiction?...AND as humans we are ALL 'thought' addicts :). We are hooked mentally, emotionally and physiologically!...and for the most part we don't even know it!
In today's fast-paced, over stimulated world, the noise of constant thinking continuously drowns out our inherent peace, wellbeing and contentment. We take it as 'normal' because it's all we've known. Many people don’t realise that their thoughts are addictive, leading to anxiety and decision paralysis. Studies show that nearly 40% of adults report feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts at least once a week.
Today my blog will examine the nature of thought addiction, its consequences, and ways we can reclaim a clear mental space; our inherent peace and clarity.
The Nature of Our Thought Addiction
Of course thinking is essential for problem-solving and decision-making. Yet, when thinking shifts from open, relaxed, productive and creative (objectively weighing up variables) to obsessive, stressful, repetitive rumination it becomes harmful. If we observe tension in the body when thinking about something, it's because we have now shifted gear in to the fear and protection mechanism of the brain. This fight/ flight lower gear is purely to keep us alive; no intelligent contemplation ever happens here!, there's no energy for it, all the energy has gone in to survival mode as though we are being chased by a tiger!
We've never been taught that it is unnecessary (and a waste of energy) to feel overwhelmed, tense, stressed and full of nervous tension when decision making. This addiction to over thinking arises from fear and our desperate desire to control life. We've been taught that the more we analyze a problem, the more in control we are, in fact the opposite is true. When our mind is overstimulated we are limiting our access to intelligent solutions. We can become stagnant in analysis paralysis and repetitive thought loops.
For example, someone might obsessively replay a conversation in their mind, trying to find the "right" words or actions they could or should have said or done. This type of fixation can leave us feeling mentally exhausted and trapped, with little room for productive, creative, inspired reflection or relaxation. It is just an addiction of the mind, it thinks if I think, reflect, ruminate and analyse enough I'll reach a solution to this uncomfortable feeling....it never will. By relaxing and letting thought loops go...allowing any uncomfortable emotion be fully felt without judgement...clarity arises about the situation naturally. This is how we evolve naturally in intelligence. By slowing things down and being really present to the feelings and sensations in the body. Here a natural unravelling of suppressed tension can be facilitated. When the body is relaxed we are able to naturally access our deeper, intuitive intelligence. We've all had the experience of straining our brains to try to remember something, then as soon as we relax and let the trying go that elusive thing pops in to our minds on its own!
To ruminate incessantly about something is like holding a cork under water. As soon as you let go of your grip on it...it pops to the surface!...solutions naturally arise...in their own way and time.
It is so challenging to let go of the illusion of control of the natural flow of life...but herein lies peace.
The Consequences of an Overactive Mind
An overactive mind leads to many negative outcomes, starting of course with stress. Research indicates that 70% of adults feel stressed about their day-to-day activities, with racing thoughts often at the core of that stress and they are not even aware that they are over thinking because we've normalised it in our culture so much. We are born into a world where everyone overthinks, so of course it feels normal! It would be like being born in to a culture where everyone has normalised drinking alcohol instead of water morning, noon and night, day in day out to try to quench thirst and wondering why we are so sick and dehydrated!
To have a clear mental space almost seems counterintuitive to productivity to us. But the great composers of music and the great minds produced their genius works when their minds were clear and available to channel from a deeper intelligence. The deeper or higher intelligence is available to all!
It's not our fault we are addicted to 'thinking' about life instead of directly experiencing life...it's all we've ever known!
Continuous rumination in negative cycles of dead, past thoughts, memories and images triggers anxiety, which can result in common physical symptoms like:
Tension headaches: Affecting over 20% of adults regularly, these headaches often stem from stress.
Digestive issues: Nearly 25% of people report stomach problems linked to anxiety. (When a child is stressed they often complain of stomach aches).
Furthermore, thought addiction contributes to decision fatigue (analysis paralysis and brain fog). A study found that after making a series of choices ('thinking' too hard), individuals are decision-fatigued and may struggle with even minor decisions, like what to have for dinner. This not only slows down our productivity but also hampers our personal evolution and capacity to relax and 'enjoy' life; which remember is the whole point of being alive!!!
How to Become Aware That Thoughts are an Addiction
Awareness is critical in acknowledging thought addiction. Look for these signs that indicate you may be caught in this cycle:
Persistent Overthinking: Frequently rehashing past situations without any resolution or evolution in your perspective about the situation.
Difficulty Sleeping: Thoughts racing at night that keep you awake.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Putting off tasks because you feel too overwhelmed.
Increased Anxiety: Constantly worrying about multiple outcomes of multiple scenarios rather than focusing on the present. Worrying/ negatively anticipating about how things will 'play out'.
By firstly recognizing these indicators, you are automatically heading towards healthier, beneficial thought patterns.
Strategies to Break Free from the Cycle
Combatting thought addiction requires utilising consistent practical strategies. Remember you are breaking the addiction of a lifetime! An addiction that most of the world is unconsciously living in!
Here are several effective methods:
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness helps detach from the 'thought' field and ground us in the presence or clarity of mind, this reduces our attachment to racing thoughts - it gives us a well earned break from the 'thought' train!!
Incorporate simple practices like five minutes of focusing attention on deep breathing each morning. Research shows that mindfulness meditation can decrease anxiety by up to 50% for those who practice regularly....and yes of course your mind will make every effort to magnetise your focus back to it...IT IS AN ADDICTION!!
If you would like a simple (free) 10min guided meditation track email me - melangelic11@gmail.com
It can be easier to begin with a guided track.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs "thought' doesn't want to know about boring tools and strategies...'thought' doesn't want you to be free of it...obviously. So 'thought' will say "I don't have time"..."this won't work"..."this is boring"..."It's too hard, it's not my thing, I can't do it" "I want the quick, big 'permanent' fix to end all my suffering!"
There isn't one!
Trust me the only thing that frees you from thought addiction is flowing your attention in to the space of clarity between your thoughts!!...AND IT IS ALWAYS HERE!!!
Limit Information Consumption
Today's constant influx of information obviously fuels thought addiction; continuously and insidiously, and most often subliminally imposed via all channels. Set clear boundaries for media and advertising (of course that includes so called 'social' media) consumption. The average person spends nearly 7 hours a day consuming media information. Try reducing this at least by half, focusing instead on whatever uplifts the body and diminishes overthinking eg a pleasant conversation with a loved one, a refreshing walk to take in the natural in nature beauty that surrounds us. Focus on what uplifts your feelings? Consume more of that...stop feeding the thought addiction !. Again 'thought' won't let 'you' go, it will always try to entice you back, 'you' have to go beyond 'it' :).
Journaling
Writing can be a therapeutic tool. Regularly jotting down your thoughts can make space for clarity and reduce mental clutter and accumulation. According to a study, those who journal for 15-30 minutes a few times a week report less anxiety and greater mental and emotional clarity. To get it out of your head and on to paper (or laptop) is amazingly therapeutic and clarifying for your mental space.
Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is essential for wellbeing and must become a natural part of everyday if you want to feel better. It reduces cortisol levels (stress hormones) that are over produced by our thought addiction. it is a proven stress reliever. Studies show that just 30 minutes of daily exercise can lead to a 20% reduction in anxiety levels. Activities like walking, running, cycling or swimming release endorphins, providing a natural means of calming the mind. You must find something you enjoy and start small or you won't maintain it.
It must become as natural and a part of your day as cleaning your teeth!
The Role of Self-Compassion
It's vital to practice self-compassion as we navigate beyond thought addiction. Being hard on ourselves just exacerbates the problem, and any judgement of yourself for overthinking is just more negative 'thought'! We can't help overthinking and being thought addicts, we didn't write the program!, we were born in to it.
Simply acknowledge that feeling overwhelmed by thoughts is common to most humans; it is the human condition. But we can break free! Cultivating self-kindness can help you approach your thoughts with understanding and patience. No different to an individual addicted to heroin, gambling or alcohol; only self acceptance and self compassion with exactly where we are at opens doors for change!
Simplify...simplify...simplify
Embracing simplicity can significantly reduce mental clutter. Focus on decluttering not just your physical environment but also your daily routines. For instance, aim to simplify your schedule by committing to at least one less obligation each week. This minimalist approach can help replace excessive thinking with more fulfilling experiences and relationships.
Less is definitely more!...
Moving Forward with a Clear Mental Space
Our addiction to thought can stand in the way of a fulfilling, contented life. While thinking is of course natural and necessary, recognizing when it is 'overthinking' and becoming harmful is crucial for mental well-being.
Awareness is crucial!
Creative thinking is amazing and enhances life experience, unproductive thinking is harmful to you, your body and your entire experience of life.
So when you feel uneasy in the body just STOP...and ask yourself "Are these thoughts beneficial to me right now?
"Are they enhancing/ serving my life experience?" "Do they feel good in my body?"
Taking a pause and asking these meta thoughts will bring you immediately in to a space of clarity ...like a circuit-breaker....and you are now making a conscious choice where to focus your attention i.e you are in a position now to choose consciously whether to continue engaging in a detrimental thought stream or to maybe take 5 to focus on the clarity in the breath. By doing this continuously you are creating more beneficial neural pathways!
(For more details of the STOP process - email - melangelic11@gmail.com)
Every thought is a neural pathway!...forming the journey of your life experience!
By utilizing mindfulness, moderating information intake (as much as you are able only involving yourself mentally, emotionally and physically in pursuits, discussions, people and literature that uplifts the body and mind), journaling, exercising, being in nature and fostering self-compassion, you can definitely overcome or at the very least reduce the cycle of overthinking.
(As an aside - studies have shown that just being in nature automatically slows down 'thinking', activates 'rest and digest' function enabling the body to repair itself, boosts energy, reduces sensory stimulation overload and improves focus and creativity!)
Simple living not only clears mental space but also allows for a healthier relationship with your thoughts, which of course improves all relating with others in your life experience.
Clarity of our mental space really is the key that opens the lock of our innate wellbeing, contentment and peace!
Breaking the cycle is a conscious effort that without doubt leads to clearer thinking, less anxiety, and a more, fulfilled, contented and joyful life. By prioritising mental wellness and clarity, you can detach from overthinking and step into a brighter, more grounded existence.
It's so difficult to believe that less thinking actually gives us more access to our innate intelligence and enables us therefore to naturally make decisions with an intuitive, effortless ease. But it's true! The brain naturally weighs up all variables and computes the perfect next step for you; it is miraculous. But our little limited worrying mind thinks IT is making all of the decisions consciously!!...it just gets in the way...so funny really :).
Text or email for an appt if you need guidance 0432 659 044
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