If your brain feels like a browser with 50 tabs open โ
youโre not alone.
We overthink everything:
- What we said
- What we didnโt say
- What they might think
- What could go wrong
- What already went wrong
Overthinking is mental exhaustion disguised as productivity.
It feels like youโre doing something importantโฆ
but really, youโre just burning mental fuel in circles.
Jay Shetty teaches us that monks donโt stop thoughts โ
they train them.
Letโs explore how you can do the same.
๐ง The Nature of Thoughts
On average, you think over 60,000 thoughts a day.
Most are repetitive. Many are negative.
The problem isnโt thinking โ itโs untrained thinking.
Itโs letting your mind run wild, without pause, like a toddler with a marker in a white room.
๐ง Monk-Like Thinking Is Trained Thinking
Monks donโt avoid thoughts.
They observe them.
They question them.
They return to whatโs true.
This creates space between stimulus and response.
That space is where peace lives.
๐ What Overthinking Looks Like:
- Replaying conversations
- Imagining worst-case scenarios
- Doubting your decisions
- Seeking perfection
- Worrying about what people think
Overthinking drains:
- Energy
- Focus
- Confidence
- Creativity
But here’s the truth:
You are not your thoughts.
You are the one observing them.
๐ How to Train Your Thoughts (Without Forcing)
1. Name the Spiral
Say to yourself:
โThis is a thought spiral.โ
Labeling creates awareness.
Awareness interrupts the loop.
2. Ask: Is This Helpful or True?
Is this thought helping me right now?
Is it even real?
Most overthinking is imagination without intention.
3. Create a Mental Reset Ritual
When you catch yourself spiraling, pause and do:
- 3 deep breaths
- 1 grounding phrase like โI choose peace over panic.โ
4. Journal to Release Mental Clutter
Try this prompt:
โHereโs what my mind keeps going back toโฆโ
Write freely. Let the thoughts land.
Paper holds them better than your head.
5. Visualize a Thought Box
Imagine placing your thought in a box and closing it.
You can come back to it later โ but for now, give your mind rest.
๐ฑ Final Reflection
You donโt need to eliminate thoughts to find peace.
You just need to relate to them differently.
Overthinking is like noise.
Mindfulness is like turning the volume down.
Training your mind isnโt about silence โ itโs about choosing what to listen to.
Thatโs the power of monk-like thought.
Internal Link :
For more spirituality and well-being tools, explore our Personal Growth & Well-Being collection.
Outbound Link:
Read more on the science of breath at Harvard Health or explore Jay Shettyโs mindful breathing insights.
