Why We Need to Get Out of Our Heads and Into Our Bodies: Tools to Combat Overthinking

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get stuck in our heads, constantly overthinking and worrying about the future. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems. However, by getting out of our heads and into our bodies, we can improve our mental and physical well-being. In this blog, we'll explore why it's essential to get out of our heads and provide you with tools such as breathing, journaling, and mindfulness to combat overthinking.

Why We Need to Get Out of Our Heads:

1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Overthinking can lead to stress and anxiety, which can be harmful to our physical and mental health. When we're stuck in our heads, we're often worrying about the past or future, rather than being present in the moment. By getting into our bodies such as taking a deep breath or stepping bare foot on the earth and focusing on the present, we can reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Improve Physical Health: Stress and anxiety can lead to physical health problems, such as headaches, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. By getting out of our heads and into our bodies, we can reduce stress and improve our physical health.

3. Increase Creativity: When we're stuck in our heads, we're often analysing and overthinking. By getting into our bodies, we can tap into our creativity and intuition, which can lead to new ideas and solutions.

It is all about channeling that energy from the mind, into our bodies and utilising it. I understand, we need to think about things from time to time. But there is a big difference between thinking and overthinking so it's so important to distinguish the difference so that you can combat it before it takes over.

Tools to Combat Overthinking:

1. Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises, such as deep breathing or box breathing, can help you calm your mind and reduce stress. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Or if you are having a stressful moment, stop yourself and take 3 big deep breaths, fully focusing on the breathing.

2. Journaling: Journaling can help you process your thoughts and emotions and get them out of your head. Write down your worries and concerns, as well as your goals and aspirations. This can help you gain clarity and perspective.

3. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or a simple task, such as washing dishes. When your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the present moment.

Here is what I call the quick 4 mind to body exercises. They are easy things you can do in sequence to transform those racing thoughts into a powerful moment:

1. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, say to yourself: 'I am dissolving all these thoughts from my head right now'. Then feel them disappear. 

2. When the overthinking comes back, distract yourself with something like 'I really love my nail colour this week'. 

3. Pick up your journal and write 1 page on your thoughts. See what comes up and get to the core.

4. If you are feeling creative, pick up whatever you need and get creative. Channel that energy.

By getting out of our heads and into our bodies, we can improve our mental and physical well-being. Breathing exercises, journaling, and mindfulness are just a few tools that can help us combat overthinking and reduce stress and anxiety. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine, and you'll notice a positive shift in your mood, creativity, and overall well-being.