If your brain feels like a browser with 50 tabs open —
you’re not alone.
We overthink everything:
- What we said
- What we didn’t say
- What they might think
- What could go wrong
- What already went wrong
Overthinking is mental exhaustion disguised as productivity.
It feels like you’re doing something important…
but really, you’re just burning mental fuel in circles.
Jay Shetty teaches us that monks don’t stop thoughts —
they train them.
Let’s explore how you can do the same.
🧠 The Nature of Thoughts
On average, you think over 60,000 thoughts a day.
Most are repetitive. Many are negative.
The problem isn’t thinking — it’s untrained thinking.
It’s letting your mind run wild, without pause, like a toddler with a marker in a white room.
🧘 Monk-Like Thinking Is Trained Thinking
Monks don’t avoid thoughts.
They observe them.
They question them.
They return to what’s true.
This creates space between stimulus and response.
That space is where peace lives.
🌀 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.
🛠 How to Train Your Thoughts (Without Forcing)
1. Name the Spiral
Say to yourself:
“This is a thought spiral.”
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 “I choose peace over panic.”
4. Journal to Release Mental Clutter
Try this prompt:
“Here’s what my mind keeps going back to…”
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 — but for now, give your mind rest.
🌱 Final Reflection
You don’t 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 isn’t about silence — it’s about choosing what to listen to.
That’s the power of monk-like thought.