How can I stop thinking so much?


Question:
I cannot switch off, I am always thinking about what is going to happen and what other people are thinking. I am always trying to predict what is going to happen so I am ready for it. I dont seem to be able to enjoy myself anymore. Sometimes I have a drink and that seem to relax me, but I dont want that.

Answers:
Sounds like you may have anxiety disorder. I suggest talking to a psychiatrist as there are many treatment options available.

* RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

o Recognize what activities you consider relaxing.

o Be specific when exploring your options:
–going for walks
–meeting with friends
–reading for pleasure
–listening to music
–taking a bath

o Be realistic about the amount of time that you can dedicate to "downtime".

o This time should be incorporated into your daily routine.

o Remember this is called BALANCE- not be used as a procrastination tactic.

o Begin practicing relaxation techniques
–meditation
–guided imagery
–deep breathing exercises
–progressive relaxation (muscle relaxation)

o Decide which relaxation technique works for you and practice daily.

o Find several techniques that work for you so you have an array of options.

* STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

BODY:

o Along with improving your ability to relax, you must assess diet and other strains on your body.

o Aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety up to 50%.

o Good nutrition (a well balanced diet) will improve your ability to appropriately respond to stress.

o Get an adequate amount of rest each night.

o Reducing caffeine intake will help you manage your anxiety (2 ½ cups of coffee doubles the epinephrine level).

o Smoking cessation is important, as nicotine is also a stimulant.

o Biofeedback techniques can help up to 80% of migraine sufferers.

o Acupuncture has also shown promise.

MIND:

o If you have multiple stressors (deadlines, increased responsibilities), you must prioritize your time.

o Initiating a time management schedule remains a positive way to reduce stress and anxiety.

o Break large demands into small, manageable parts. Work through one task at a time.

o Do what needs to be done first, leaving other things for tomorrow.

o Identify your goals and work toward them.

o Take direct action when stress arises- identify your needs and articulate them; Be intentional about what you can do.

o Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings concerning the stressors in your life.

o Develop a support network to rely on in times of need.

o Remember to be kind to yourself and not dwell on the "shoulds
Watch Big Brother on TV.
It has the ability of numbing any brain.
You might want to look into an anti anxiety medicine. Lexapro is a good place to start. Drinking is not the answer.
yea i know what are u talking about i wish i can find a bottom to switch my mind off i guess walking would help u to clear ur mind it worked for me to organize my mind only i don't know about u
take care xx
watch a lot of TV! or do something that you enjoy most, like sports maybe?
i had the same problem that turned into full blown alcoholism and i had to be put in rehab when i was 18 for depression and anxiety. Seems like you are suffering from almost the same thing.

I went into cognative therapy, or thought therapy. the best thing you can do is be aware of what you are thinking when your thoughts are racing. Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint what triggers the thoughts to race, but trying is the only way to help.

Now, i've gotten to the point where the racing thoughts are rare, but still happen. I am able to notice when i have these thoughts and stop myself. I get pessimistic and if i continue to race, i start thinking everyone is against me, my whole world is falling apart, and i can't do anything about it. I have to remind myself that pleanty of people love me, everything will work out because it is all in god's hands and i can do something about it by staying positive and believing i myself.
It took me 18mos of this kind of therapy to get where i am.

I had to take many medications at first to help with the anxiety, but i felt like none of them worked, so i weaned myself off them to reduce side effects from withdrawl. These types of medications cause your body to become dependant on them, just like the alcohol, so i wouldn't suggest it if you have dependancy issues.

If the thoughts are really bad, talk to your doctor about just using an anti anxiety med that is low dose. Lexapro 10mg was the only thing that felt like it helped. Paxil and Naproxin made me want to jump off a bridge into traffic.
if i wake up and cannot get back to sleep because of thoughts going around in my mind. I turn on the radio with the sound as low as possible. I find it helps
Look dude you are a man and this just ain't normal behaviour for a bloke. Right do some meditation before you go to bed to help you relax. Take a pen and paper to bed. Write everything down thats bothering you- even if you wake up in the night write it down. Now there is nothing you can do about anything in the night. My other half says that if a worry is something you can't do anything about then there is no point in worrying about it. If its something you can do something about- then theres no point in worrying about it either- no need to worry then. You are sounding to me like you are depressed- its the slippery slope to deep depression on a breakdown- so take action now.
Don't try to stop your thinking, just try to notice when you are thinking.
Don't follow the thoughts and turn them into a story.

If you suddenly realise that you have been following your thoughts and turning them into a story...
...pat yourself on the back, you have become more aware!
Practice being kind to yourself.
Just notice if you are judging yourself, e.g. "..my mind is too busy" or " ..I shouldn't get carried away by my thoughts"...etc.
The mind produces thoughts, that is what it does!!
Just be at peace WITH your thoughts.
Like the tv is on but don't let it bother with you.
Slowly they will tend to become less...
...but don't worry about that.
Trying to 'fix' your mind is what is stirring up all the mud in the pond.
Just leave it be, accept it as it is.
It will settle by itself.
Dont turn to drink please.. that is a road to nowhere, sounds like you have some kind of acute anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder. Dont be freaked out, there is always someone that can help you. Firstly see your doctor, yes u may feel silly and as if u are wasting doctors time but at the end of the day thats what they are there for. Sometimes Doctors can dismiss symptoms like yours which is not good, obviously, if they do see another doctor and another until you get sorted out.
What you said about being ready for something intrigued me, what do you need to be ready for? do you always expect something is going to happen to you? You are probably just going through an emotional blip at the moment, maybe after a traumatic event?
Really see the doctor, they will help. take care
sounds like classic anxiety to me, i am the same! i cannot switch off and find it really hard to
but what helps me is to think of calm things, and things i like! some nights i lay in bed thinking about chocolate lol
I have the same thing, it sucks so bad.

I listen to trance and turn it up really loud..the beat and lack of lyrics help calm my thoughts..lol, like the name says, it kind of puts you in a trance..it works for me, so maybe that will work for you?
Start living and stop thinking - you have too much time on your hands. Wpould also help to work with a therapist to deal with your negative thoughts.
Using drink for peace of mind doesn't work, believe me I tried it for long enough. I would go to your doctors. x
I completely understand where you are coming from!...
Its like im not a part of anything going on around me cos im constantly thinking about something thats going to happen or has happened!...
Its like it takes over!...
I really sorry i have suggestions on how to stop this, believe me i would tell you if i did...
Feel free to email me if u need to chat tho!...
Take care...
Xox...
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