Chronic overthinking is a killer. You know what it’s like: Someone says something totally benign but you keep turning it over in your head, wondering if it was code for something completely different that you’re just not picking up on. Or, someone you’re dating says they’ll text you the next day and they don’t. Were they lying because they didn’t want to hurt your feelings? Did they get hit by a truck and die? You overanalyze every little thing to the point that it starts to drive you nuts but you don’t know how to stop yourself. If you’ve never considered affirmations to help curb your overthinking, you’re seriously missing out.
Affirmations are a great way to challenge limiting beliefs or negative self-talk by presenting positive and uplifting ideas instead. The idea is that by repeating these mantras to yourself regularly, you slowly begin to absorb them, thereby reframing the negative thought patterns and replacing them with ones that are much more empowering. And yes, affirmations can even help change unhelpful or toxic behaviors like overthinking. If you want to give them a try, here are some to get you started.
- I am more than my thoughts. While it’s important to acknowledge your own thoughts and examine them on a deeper level, you don’t have to be held prisoner by them. Overthinking doesn’t have to control you, and this is one of those affirmations that illustrates this perfectly.
- I trust my intuition and wisdom. Overanalyzing unnecessarily muddles issues, sometimes beyond recognition. Your gut instinct is immediate and it’s usually right. Learn to trust it.
- I am capable of finding solutions to my challenges. Sometimes overcoming adversity or figuring out the answer to a difficult problem does take consideration. However, feel confident in your ability to come to a conclusion without getting caught in an endless cycle of self-doubt.
- My worth is not determined by mistakes. If you can’t stop thinking about that awkward thing you said, this affirmation is for you. We’re all human and we all screw up. This doesn’t make you any less of an amazing person.
- I release the need for perfection. It’s impossible, anyway. You can’t think yourself to flawlessness. Let go of this unrealistic ideal and embrace where you are.
- I am allowed to change my mind and course. You are not bound to any one decision in life. We all grow and change, and so do our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Embrace and accept this.
- I will not stress over what I cannot control. Overthinking often comes down to trying to find the upper hand in a given situation, but that’s not always possible. Sometimes stuff happens and you can’t do anything about it.
- I am deserving of peace and tranquility. Say it louder for the people in the back! Overthinking drains your energy and disturbs your peace. Don’t let it.
- I choose to focus on what I can control, and let go of what I can’t. On a similar note, it’s not just about realizing you can’t control everything — it’s shifting your attention to those things you can shape and mold to your liking. That’s a much better use of your time.
- I am resilient, strong, and brave. No matter what those pesky negative thoughts in your head tell you, this is what you need to remember.
- Every day is a fresh start and a new beginning. Don’t let what happened in the past determine your today and your tomorrow. Live in the moment. Take every new day as a blank slate on which you can create any masterpiece you want.
- I am not defined by my anxiety. Overthinking is often the product of anxiety, which is why affirmations like these are so effective. It’s important to realize that you overanalyze things because you worry about them in some way. But you’re bigger than this feeling.
- I release the need to have all the answers now. You could think about a given situation until the cows come home and still get no closer to a definitive answer. Let go of the need to know it all immediately. Let things unfold naturally.
- I am doing my best and that is enough. That’s all you can ask of yourself, and all anyone else can ask of you too.
- I am learning to let go of fear and embrace love. Overthinking can make your anxiety out of control by convincing you of things that simply aren’t true. Relinquish that fear and instead embrace a sense of self-love and care in order to find comfort.
- I trust in the process of life and my journey. Your path is unique to you and will lead you exactly where you need to go.
- My feelings and thoughts are valid. While overthinking can be harmful, being introspective and engaging in self-reflection are powerful ways to get in touch with yourself and your emotions, all of which are valid and worth acknowledging.
- I am growing and learning each day. You don’t need to go over and over things in your head in order to internalize the lessons life is teaching you, both big and small. You’re living them every day.
- I am open to new and wonderful changes. If you’re overthinking something because you want a particular outcome and you’re worried it won’t happen, let it go. Instead, adopt a position of open and unguarded curiosity. You’ll be amazed where that can lead you.
- I choose peace over anxiety. Repeat this one over and over again until it starts to stick. This is the very least you deserve.
- I am deserving of my dreams and open to receiving them. If there’s something your heart is yearning for and you find it occupying your mind to an unhealthy degree, remind yourself that you are worthy of achieving everything your heart desires. Because of that, there’s no need to obsess. It will come to you naturally.
- I am capable of overcoming my challenges. No matter what happens, you have the intelligence and strength to conquer even the toughest situations.
- I am constantly evolving and becoming a better version of myself. With every passing day, you’re learning new things and evolving into an improved version of yourself. It’s a process that will continue throughout your life, and it’s a gift.
- I choose to nourish my mind with positive thoughts. Enough with the negativity of overthinking — affirmations like this will rewire your brain to focus on the silver linings.
- I am the creator of my own happiness. It’s really that simple. You’ve got this.
