How To Get Out Of Your Head (and stop overthinking everything)

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Ever lay in bed, starring up at the ceiling, and questioning EVERYTHING? Yeah, me too.

Other than the evident fact sleep is slipping from my fingers on nights like that, slowly my sanity is, too. And while eventually I may overthink myself to sleep like little kids that cry themselves to sleep, I end up waking up feeling defeated.

BUT I'm tired of this happening more frequently than it should.

God's been working this out in me and I'm praying this is a timely message for SOMEBODY out there, too. Maybe you.

So here are somethings I've found to be helpful when I find myself in this place, whether throughout my day or late at night. Also some of my friends (y'all) had great tips as well worth sharing, so be sure to read all the way through!

1. Pray first...

Before you pray about something you have to be aware of it, right? So lets start there. I encourage you to first stop and acknowledge what is happening, then pray. Prayers don't have to be complex or all holy sounding. I pray this:

"Father, be my peace. Help me take every thought captive that is not of you. Help me set my mind on things that are good and eternal. Guide me in the way I should go. Thank you for being with me, Amen."

Matter of fact, scripture reminds us to be anxious for nothing but in everything to give thanks and to present our requests before God. Want your peace back? Pray for it. 

“...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6-7
Photo cred

2. Worship it out...

Music has a way of speaking to us. I praise the Lord for it all the time. Could you imagine a world without music? Use it to your advantage. Allow it to lift your spirits if you're down or frazzled after your brain has been working overtime.

“Worship in itself can be a weapon to push against whatever robs us of our peace.
Use it daily.”

Scripture talks about how God desires to give us "a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair". This is how we fight our battles. So, worship on, friend. Below I've linked some of my worship playlists. Enjoy!

3. Read/Quote Scripture...

Speaking of weapons, know of another? The Bible. It's a sword with which we can combat the lies we hear and entertain. The Word of God reminds us to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" and not allow thoughts that aren't aligned with truth to consume us. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
— Philippians 4:8

Read through the Psalms if you're looking for scripture you can recite when feeling overwhelmed and stand on every word.

4. Get active...

I think we best get out of our heads when we start moving. Move your body. Get a change of scenery if you have to. If you're on your couch (or worse - in your bed, hiding under the covers) GET UP!

When I finally realize I've spend the last 30 mins playing out scenes or entire conversations in my head all while questioning all the things, I say "no more" and start doing.

  • Go for a walk / run
  • Have a dance session
  • Get dressed, do your make-up, fix your hair
  • Go on an adventure
  • Work out
  • Bake something
  • Tackle a DIY
  • Cook a delicious meal
  • Draw, paint, create something
  • Clean out a closet
  • Run an errand
  • Help someone else

Y'ALL (my readers + IG friends) shared some great tips and I mentioned I'd be sharing some so here they are below. I don't have all the answers, I'm trying to figure it all out, too. That's why I'm so grateful y'all shared your tips with me. These are great, remember these next time you start over thinking something:

  • "Writing helps me 'dump' things out of my head." - Sarah 
  • "Community! Reach out to fellow sisters in Christ." - Jessyca
  • "Stop and pray. Keep putting everything in God's hands." - Tanya
  • "Download and use the Christian mediation app called Abide" - Sarah 
  • "Be conscious of it and then pause and pray. Also, sing along to worship music and fill your brain with good words". - Hannah


Know I'm praying for each and every single one you reading this post, because something got you curious enough to click through to it. Maybe you find yourself in the same boat as me. Let's invite God to join us here! Because if you remember the story as I do, when the storm was raging on each side of the boat the disciples were in when Jesus was walking on water, He got in with them. And when He got in the boat with them, the waters calmed and the storm cleared. [Mark 6:45-52]

I'm certain He's able and willing to do the same for us, because we can't overcome this alone. 

Thanks for reading, and as always, let me know your thoughts or other helpful tips and share this with a friend if it helped you!

                - crystal - 

                - crystal -