Advice for the Overthinker
What are the things you tend to overthink about? How does that impact your life?
I am definitely an over thinker myself and I really want to make it a goal to improve that: indeed, there is a line between being conscientious or caring and overthink everything to the point you are just unhappy with yourself, and I don’t think anyone deserves to drown in their own thoughts. As usual, it is about finding the right balance and I hope we can all help ourselves with these tips!
1. Take a deep breath and say Astaghfirullah
Ibn Taymiyyah (RA) said “The strength of the heart returns when one repents”. Make sure to breath deeply to calm yourself and release everything that is worrying you, all by asking Allah (swt) for forgiveness when you exhale.
2. Build a positive mindset & tawakkul
It all comes down to Sheytan and your nafs, so by trusting Allah (swt) blindly, you will be certain that the outcome will always be good, will stop “what ifs” or negative thoughts from constantly invading your brain and you will feel more at peace.
The strength of the heart returns when one repents”
3. Do your best and leave the rest to Allah
Regrets are what makes one overwhelmed by worries and questions. However, if you make it a point to always do your best as well as rely on the Qadr of Allah, then everything that doesn’t go as you expected will be welcomed as a lesson of humility & a chance to learn and improve.
4. Focus on your salah
Al Hasan Al Basri (ra) said “As much as you fix your salat, your life will be fixed”. We tend to forget that although it is an obligation, it should never be done mechanically. Question the way you do it, take it as an opportunity to meditate and tell everything to our Creator.
As much as you fix your salat, your life will be fixed.
5. Take care of yourself
Chances are you’ve been neglecting yourself and let all these thoughts take control over your life. If so, it is time to do something that brings you comfort, to be more compassionate, to take action, to ask for help… Just take a step back and love yourself.
