What can we do when we suffer so much from anxiety that our thoughts take up all the space? What can we do when all we think about are stressful, disturbing things? Is it possible to calm obsessive thoughts? Here are 6 tips to help you get out of your head and calm down.

1 – Not fighting obsessive thoughts

You can’t control your thoughts, especially obsessive thoughts. In fact, they are symptoms of a generalized state of anxiety.

In other words, our thoughts are there, full of stress, and they take up all the space. Worse still, they drive us to adopt certain compulsive behaviors.

Which is why our desire to fight these obsessive thoughts is so strong!

The problem is, the more we fight something, the stronger it becomes. It’s a law of the Universe.

That’s why the first step to freeing ourselves from obsessive thoughts is to accept them.

Accept their presence.

Accepting them doesn’t mean you resign yourself to what’s going on, not at all.

Accepting them means, above all, accepting that you’re going through this difficult time: “Okay, I’m having obsessive thoughts. I’m suffering from deep anxiety. Now I’m going to find solutions to get better.”

In fact, by accepting them, you make room for solutions, whereas when you fight against them, you put all your energy into denying reality and therefore you can’t find solutions.

2 – Learn to relax and calm down

Anxiety causes us to panic, to get agitated in all directions, because we identify it as a problem, and we fight against it with all our might.

The problem is that, by agitating ourselves, we tire, and the more we tire, the stronger our anxiety becomes.

That’s why, when we suffer from obsessive thoughts, it’s essential to learn how to relax in order to be calmer.

To do this, we need to look at our bodies, and in particular our shoulders.

What happens when we have obsessive thoughts? Our shoulders tense up. And this tensing invites our whole body to tense up even more. And when the whole body tenses up, so does the mind.

In other words, we fall into a vicious circle.

A mind becomes all the more anxious in an anxious body. And a mind becomes calmer in a relaxed body.

So learn to relax.

To do this, close your eyes and focus your attention, not on your obsessive thoughts, but on your shoulders and breathing. Take 10 deep breaths, and with each breath relax your shoulders. Then move up to your neck, jaw and forehead.

Take a breath. Relax as much as you can.

3 – Observe yourself to prevent obsessive thoughts from becoming entrenched.

Our minds and bodies try to protect themselves from obsessive thoughts. To do this, they adopt compulsive behaviors, also known as OCD.

At the time, these behaviors provide relief, but they soon become burdensome. And we’re left with yet another problem to deal with.

That’s why it’s essential to observe yourself.

Do you have certain behaviors or habits when you experience obsessive thoughts?

What relieves you in the moment? Write it all down on a piece of paper.

It’s important to identify compulsive behaviors early, because the sooner you catch them, the easier it will be to get rid of them.

But how do you get rid of them?

4 – Start therapy with a mental health professional

You need help, specialized help.

Not because you’re mentally ill, but because you’re suffering mentally. Can you see the difference?

In other words, there’s no shame in going to see a specialist: a psychologist, a psychiatrist. If you wish, you can start with your general practitioner, who will surely be able to guide you towards someone who can help you.

Accept help. Get help. It’s important.

5 – Learn about personal development and happiness

At the same time, I wholeheartedly invite you to train in personal development, and more specifically in happiness.

Because you need to set up habits to cultivate happiness and serenity in your daily life.

Having obsessive thoughts doesn’t condemn you to unhappiness and unhappiness. You deserve and are capable of being happy in life.

6 – In case of strong obsessive thoughts, talk to your doctor.

Sometimes, obsessive thoughts are more burdensome than at other times. So go and see your general practitioner, because there are medicines to help you through the most difficult times.

Above all, accept these difficult moments. You’ll get through it. It will pass. In the meantime, take care of yourself and keep hope alive.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover How can I stop thinking? 3 techniques to calm your mind
Discover Change your negative thoughts: 6 positive habits

I recommend this inspiring book:

The Man Who Couldn’t Stop: OCD and the True Story of a Life Lost in Thought by David Adam

In this memoir, David Adam shares his personal experience of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and explores the nature of obsessive thoughts. The book takes an intimate and insightful look at the challenges of living with OCD, offering a glimpse into the mind of someone struggling with intrusive and persistent thoughts. Adam’s story highlights the complexity of obsessive thoughts and their impact on daily life, offering a valuable perspective to those seeking to understand and cope with similar experiences.

The case studies were very interesting, and the author’s struggle with his own obsessive-compulsive disorder, which he eventually mastered, was very helpful.
obsessive-compulsive disorder was very useful. I also enjoyed his presentation of the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder over time and how cognitive therapy and medication can be very effective in controlling it.
and how cognitive therapy and medication today can be very effective in controlling it.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself