How do I control negative thoughts and anxiety from overthinking?

I still deal with this sometimes, but one thing that helped me is not fighting every negative thought. Earlier, I tried to suppress them, which made it worse. Now I just acknowledge them and move on. I also started writing my thoughts down. It helps separate real problems from imagined ones. Physical activity surprisingly helps a lot; even a short walk can calm your mind. Another trick I use is asking myself, “Is this thought useful right now?” Most of the time, it isn’t. Overthinking feeds on idle time, so staying engaged in something productive really helps.

Honestly, I stopped trying to “control” every thought. In yoga, I learned that thoughts just come and go—like clouds. So now, when something negative comes up, I don’t panic. I just notice it and let it pass.

Breathing helps more than I expected. Even taking slow, deep breaths for a minute calms my mind a lot.

I also remind myself of something I read from Eckhart Tolle—most anxiety is about the future, not the present. So I try to focus on what’s in front of me.

And like Marcus Aurelius said, not every thought is true.

It’s not perfect, but it’s getting better.

For more clarity, read – Stop Overthinking.