Switch Your Channels

If you’ve been overthinking for the past 15 minutes, hour, or even day, here’s a simple way to stop.

Earlier this month, I was catching up with my friend Kelly. She’s been dealing with an issue she hasn’t resolved yet. At one point, she paused and said, “I’m overthinking this.”

I can relate. I’ve caught myself in that loop many times. I’ve circled the same train of thought about something in the past or something that hasn’t yet happened.

Overthinking often appears in two forms:
• Mulling over one issue endlessly without taking action
• Feeling overwhelmed by things outside our control.

Different forms. Same effect: we stay in our heads.

Over time, I began to see overthinking as another unseen anchor.
It drains our energy and holds our attention in place.
We return to the same thoughts and feel stuck.

More important, we often forget that we have control over our thoughts.
They do not have control over us.

What I’m sharing here isn’t a long-term solution.
It’s a simple way to get out of the loop immediately.

When you notice yourself circling, say to yourself: “Switch channel!”
Like changing your music track.
Or shutting it off entirely.

Then choose a simple point of focus.
My Qi Gong teacher recommends the following:
• Focus on your breath. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly for a minute or two.
• Move your body. Stretch. Stand. Raise and lower your arms and legs. Twist. Take a short walk.

When we move and observe our bodies, our attention shifts away from our thoughts. We return to the present moment.

For a brief period, there is only one thing occupying your mind: your breath, your moving body.

The goal isn’t to solve the issue.
It’s to step away from overthinking.
To clear your head and release yourself from that circular train of thought.
To remove the stress and stuck energy that come with it.
To return later with fresh eyes and a steadier mind.

If you find yourself caught in a loop today, try switching your channel.

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