How to Let Go of Obsessive Thoughts

Physical exercise is one of the best ways to clear your mind. If something overwhelms you or prevents you from going on with your regular routine, go for a walk to clear your head.
How to Let Go of Obsessive Thoughts

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Obsessive thoughts are very bothersome. We’ve all had to deal with an obsessive thought.

Turning a thought around and around in your head is something that everyone has done on occasion.

Not being able to stop thinking about a breakup, something you said, what happened to you today at work…

These obsessive thoughts have a lot to do with not moving on after something has already happened, whether it still matters or not.

Letting go of obsessive thoughts

Letting go of these thoughts is difficult, but not impossible.

Today, we want to offer you some ways to get rid of the obsessive thoughts that can limit you and prevent you from enjoying life.

Stop being trapped in your mind

man-running

The best way to stop thinking about something is to get away from where you are. A lot of times, walking in nature is the best option.

It doesn’t matter if you go by yourself or with someone – being alone is actually much better.

You’ll let your thoughts flow in this way, allowing them to come into your mind and then be released.

Walking will help you clarify your thoughts and see all the things in perspective, especially what doesn’t make sense or that you shouldn’t continue to worry about – because it might not have a solution.

The uselessness of thoughts

As we said above, turning a thought around over and over leaves you with no way out. You consider it, it traps you, and you chew it over and over again.

This process can create a lot of anxiety that only increases. After all, you’re thinking of something that becomes part of your presence when in fact it should be behind you.

upset-woman

This is a form of suffering, of hurting yourself and not moving forward. You should reflect on it and consider how and where to find a way out while you walk.

Are you doing what you love?

Being stuck in a monotonous cycle can have devastating consequences. All of a sudden, you may no longer enjoy what you do.

You may no longer spend time on what you want, and you may start to wall yourself inside.

Without even realizing it, you’ve locked yourself inside your comfort zone and are trapped in your own mind.

To exit this vicious cycle, you need to go for a walk and think about what you like to do, without guilt.

having-obsessive-thoughts

Imagine that you might not have the opportunity tomorrow, and all that leaves is today.

Go to a museum, the movies, a party, go out with your friends, anything! But don’t postpone it. This is how you’ll start to enjoy life again.

Mindfulness can help

The practice of mindfulness can be very beneficial when it comes to getting out of your headspace.

Mindfulness can help you reduce your anxiety by starting to observe your thoughts while also learning to release them.

Analyzing the same situation over and over won’t benefit you at all. If you do this, you’re like the snake that bites its own tail.

This is because your emotions take on a special role and lead you into that trap of obsessive thoughts that has no purpose other than to make you suffer.

Ask for help

obsessive-thoughts

If it’s taking you a lot of effort to escape from this cycle, it could be because you have a larger problem like dependency, for example.

Asking for help is never out of the question, and it helps you keep your mind in check.

Remember: we all need to care for our mental health as much as our physical health.

You could discover another problem that you didn’t even think you had, but that is affecting you.

It’s not strange to think about asking for help when something is preventing you from working, getting out of bed, being productive, or enjoying your life.

Your mind isn’t something that’s easy to master. In fact, the more control you try to exert over what thoughts pass through, the more uncontrolled they can become.

It’s important that you understand what it’s trying to tell you and what the purpose and utility of these thoughts may be.

Most of the time, however, such obsessive thoughts only have one goal: to make you suffer more.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.