An overactive mind can work to your advantage at times, helping you think on your feet and respond quickly to whatever comes your way. However, an overactive mind can also get in the way of your peace and tranquility. Not to mention, it's a common culprit of sleep challenges, including trouble falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep.
With all of that in mind, today we are going to discuss several strategies to help you calm your overactive mind and get the relief you're hoping for. Additionally, we'll cover some of the causes of an overactive mind to help you get to their root.
What Causes an Overactive Mind?
So, what exactly is causing your overactive mind? Is there a scientific explanation behind it? Unfortunately, there is no one definitive answer to this question.
There are many potential factors that could be contributing to your overactive mind, including:
- Stress
- Negative thoughts
- Racing thoughts
- Caffeine consumption and other stimulants
- Poor diet
- Information overload
- Too much or too little exercise
- Fear
- Depression
- ADHD/ADD
Each of these conditions can cause different symptoms and lead to an overactive mind in different ways. However, one common thread among them all is that they can all lead to excessive rumination – the act of thinking over and over again about the same thing. This kind of repetitive thinking can disrupt your thoughts and keep you from finding relief.
While the list above is far from exhaustive, these are some of the most common culprits when it comes to an overactive mind. If you can identify which of these might be at play for you, it will be much easier to calm your mind and find relief.
Now let's move on to some solutions...
Calming Strategies for an Overactive Mind
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help calm your overactive mind. Below, we'll discuss ten of the most effective methods:
Practice meditation
Meditation has been shown to be incredibly effective in reducing stress and anxiousness levels. Not to mention, it can help you learn to focus and live in the present moment. If you're not familiar with meditation, there are many great resources available to help get you started.
One example of a simple meditation technique is mindfulness meditation. To practice mindfulness meditation, simply find a quiet place to sit or recline in, take deep breaths, and focus on your breathing. When your mind wanders (and it will), gently bring your attention back to your breath. Try to do this for five or ten minutes each day.
We offer several helpful resources for meditation practices on our blog. Click here to find them!
Exercise can help ease an overactive mind
Exercise is another fantastic way to reduce stress and anxiousness levels, as well as improve overall mood. In fact, just 30 minutes of exercise per day can be incredibly beneficial in this regard.
As for exactly how exercise helps reduce stress and anxiousness? Well, exercise has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and increase endorphins (happy hormones).
Do your best to make time for a workout routine you enjoy and can stick to. Yoga is a great option for many people as it combines elements of meditation and exercise. However, any type of exercise will do the trick. Just make sure you're getting your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes each day.
Get adequate sleep
One common side effect of an overactive mind is difficulty sleeping. This only serves to aggravate the problem, as a lack of sleep can lead to even more stress and anxiousness. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night by sticking to a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine to help with a good night's sleep.
Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants after a certain time of day
Additionally, avoid caffeine and other stimulants close to bedtime, as they can keep you from falling asleep or cause restless nights. Instead, try to stick to decaffeinated beverages after a certain point in the day. Other stimulants to avoid after a certain point in the day include nicotine and alcohol.
Eat a healthy diet
What you eat can also have an impact on your overactive mind. Eating a nutritious diet helps to promote overall health and well-being, which can in turn help reduce stress levels. Be sure you're eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Also, limit your intake of processed foods, as they can lead to inflammation and exacerbate symptoms of anxiousness and depression.
Some of the best foods to eat to manage stress levels in hopes of calming your overactive mind include:
- Salmon
- Dark chocolate
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Green leafy vegetables
- Yogurt
- Berries
Reduce information overload
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the constant flow of information. This can lead to mental clutter and an overactive mind. To combat this, try limiting your exposure to news and social media. You can also declutter your physical environment to help reduce mental clutter.
Connect with loved ones
Another helpful tool for calming an overactive mind is by connecting with loved ones. Spending time with those you care about can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions. This highlights the importance of scheduling regular get-togethers with your friends and family.
Spend time in nature
Another great way to calm an overactive mind is to spend time in nature. Studies have shown spending time outside can help reduce stress and improve mood. This serves as an excellent reminder of the importance of getting outside each day.
Sunlight exposure
Additionally, exposure to sunlight has also been shown to boost your mood and minimize stress. Next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, try to take a few minutes to step outside and soak up some sun.
Vagus nerve stimulation to calm an overactive mind
Finally, consider vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). This is a non-invasive treatment that involves sending electrical pulses to the brain via the vagus nerve through the ear. Studies have shown VNS can be a useful tool for managing anxiousness and racing thoughts, which, as we know, can be the cause of your overactive mind.
Today, vagus nerve stimulation is more accessible than ever before. All it takes is giving the Xen by Neuvana headphones a try. With regular use, you can help retrain your overactive mind and achieve a more calm and relaxed state.
How Does Xen by Neuvana work?
Xen by Neuvana uses patent-pending technology to deliver electrical pulses to the brain through the ear. The electrical pulses stimulate the vagus nerve, which then sends signals to the brain. These signals help to promote a more calm and relaxed state. Along with those benefits, many people also report better sleep, faster recovery, enhanced resilience, and even a brighter mood overall.
The best part about Xen by Neuvana is that it's completely non-invasive and easy to use. All you have to do is put on the headphones, turn on the handheld device they connect to, and let them work their magic.
There you have it – ten science-backed ways to calm an overactive mind. Implementing even just a few of these strategies can help you find relief from stress and anxiousness. So, give them a try and see which ones work best for you. Or, click here to shop Xen by Neuvana today.
