Looking for a cure for overthinking? Let’s look at it. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That endless mental chatter that keeps us up at night, distracts us from the present moment and sometimes even paralyses us from taking action.

So what’s the typical advice out there as a cure for overthinking?

Google “how to stop overthinking” and you’ll be bombarded with articles like “10 steps to conquer overthinking” or “5 tips to silence your inner critic”. They all seem to have one thing in common: the need to do something, to improve, to take action.

But here’s the thing: what if the solution to overthinking isn’t about doing more? What if it’s about doing less?

Now, before you dismiss me as a lazy coach who just wants you to sit around and do nothing, listen to me. Because what I’m about to tell you might surprise you.

Observing doesn’t require fancy solutions

In my work with clients, I’ve discovered that the most effective way to deal with overthinking isn’t through fancy techniques or complicated methods. In fact, the cure for overthinking is much simpler than that.

It’s about cultivating the ability to simply observe your thoughts without judgement.

That’s it. No 10-step programmes. No complicated mind hacks. Just pure, simple observation.

Think of it like watching clouds drift across the sky. You don’t try to control them, analyse them or judge them. You simply observe them, noticing their shapes, their movements and their transience.

The same is true of your thoughts. They’re like clouds in the vast landscape of your mind. They come and go, constantly changing, sometimes light and fluffy, sometimes dark and stormy. But none of them are permanent. They’re just visitors, passing through.

When you learn to observe your thoughts without judgement, you create a space between yourself and the thinking mind. You realise that you are not your thoughts.

You are the awareness witnessing them.

Does this sound difficult? I’d be more than happy to have a talk about it. Personally I didn’t really get this at fist ..

In that space of awareness a shift occurs. The grip of overthinking loosens. The constant chattering subsides. You begin to see your thoughts for what they are – fleeting mental events that don’t define you.

This doesn’t mean you’ll never overthink again. But it does mean that you’ll have a new tool in your arsenal, a way to step back from the mental noise and access a deeper sense of peace and clarity.

And that is where the real magic happens

Because when you’re not consumed by overthinking, you’re free:

Make decisions with confidence: You can tap into your intuition and inner wisdom instead of second-guessing yourself.
Connect more deeply with others: You can be fully present in your interactions, listening with empathy and responding with authenticity.
Meet challenges with greater resilience: You can handle setbacks with grace and learn from your mistakes rather than dwelling on them.
Tap into your creativity: You can access a flow state where ideas and solutions emerge effortlessly.
Live with more peace and joy: You can experience a deeper sense of contentment and fulfilment, regardless of external circumstances.