Something I see commonly with my clients is that they just cannot get their brain to switch off. They are constantly thinking and running through the events of their day or thinking ahead into the future or having anxieties about work, relationships, or their body composition goals. Most of these clients I have to say are what are classified as high achievers. They are never satisfied with their current achievements and are always wanting more.
It’s awesome to have a high goal post to reach for but when the overthinking turns into anxious thoughts and it starts affecting your sleep, your focus, and your home life as you find it hard to stop and be present that’s when it’s time to stop and re-evaluate. It would be easy enough for me to say to someone, practice mindfulness, and try and be more present but sometimes it takes more than this.
Overthinking and being slightly high strung can also be the cause of being more dopamine dominant which is a neurotransmitter also known as the motivation molecule but too much of it can cause symptoms of anxiety.
Feeling a loss of control due to an unstable external environment such as our current economic status due to COVID-19 is enough to get anyone’s amygdala setting off our sympathetic nervous system and giving us a heightened state of emotional response.
If you thrive off having a routine and that is being disrupted then your personal goals not being achieved could also cause symptoms of anxiety.
An extended state of an increased sympathetic response can also lead to thyroid imbalances which also present with symptoms of overthinking, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and insomnia.
How can I help?
Firstly, true to Frozen’s theme song, LET IT GO….
- No seriously. We can’t control what is happening around us but we can control how we respond to it.
- Find the benefits on how your current situation is helping you achieve your higher purpose.
- Journal your thoughts and concerns instead of keeping them in your head. Often when they are let out of confinement they are less overwhelming.
- Ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen and can you handle it? Make yourself a plan based on A, B and C scenarios.
- Do you have a good sleep routine? Don’t rule out making changes that are simple which anyone can do. Turn off the social media, computers and dim your lights to start creating that melatonin production that will help you fall asleep. Read a book, listen to music or do meditation that will help to calm your mind and body.
- Seek out a health practitioner to ensure there isn’t any underlying health imbalances that may be causing your thoughts to run away from you. These could be imbalances of your cortisol, thyroid, gastrointestinal system, neurotransmitter production, hormones or something as simple as a magnesium deficiency, which often is a byproduct of placing too much stress on the body whether emotional or physical.
- There are some wonderful herbs that are nutritive to the brain and central nervous system to help keep you calm and focused as well as support your hypothalamic pituitary to ensure your body stays well balanced during periods of stress.
If your feeling like you need some assistance to reign in your thoughts so you can be more effective and efficient with your day then I’m here to help. Email me at Kristine@wellixa.com.au
