How to stop thinking?!?

Okay I’ve been awake for 45 mins thinking about work. I can’t stop myself. I’m thinking about it again before I’ve even realised I’m thinking about it.

I’m doing an app called HeadSpace but I’m just on the free basic meditation and I’ve only done 3 so far. But the gist seems to be you don’t stop thinking you just allow the thoughts to be like traffic and wizz by while you observe, it’s not about controlling them or stopping them - just let them come and then go again. Great. But I can’t do that either. Last night I was doing one of the exercises of counting my breath to 10 and then starting back at 1 and if I notice my thought drifting of to just gently pull it back to the counting. I did that for about 2 hours!! My mind will not “come back” it’s just off at racing incontrovertible worrying or thinking about work.

Any advice or tips for how to shut my brain up so I can just get some sleep?!

[Hidden]

Does reading or doing a hobby ever help? Like knitting? Are you taking any medication? It could be making the racing thoughts worse.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’ve been on anti-depressants since my teens and my current ones and dosage for about 10 years so I don’t thin it’s them. I guess I would have noticed by now?!

Yeah a few things help - certain shows on the radio, mindless internet. I guess I feel like I’m constantly running by doing those and I shouldn’t be. Maybe I’m wrong?

[gerrerd]

You have to do it every day, it doesnt happen overnight. If you persist it will get easier, meditation is mind control, it teaches you to control your mind eventualy you will be able to do this. Remember every day is the key to it.

[Hidden in reply to gerrerd]

Thanks

[Hidden]

I like to watch videos on near death experiences or something interesting to get my mind engaged on something else. Also, don’t pressure yourself to sleep just focus on relaxing. Tense up your muscles and slowly release them over and over

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Wow. Near death experiences. That would certainly distract a mind.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

NDE! That’s quite specific. I do like strange phenomena but I’ve not looked up that one. I’ll give it a go 😂

[Concernedparent23]

Gerrerd is spot on - Keep practising with the meditation, a little everyday. It takes a while for it to become second nature - like any skill.

In the meantime if you’re struggling to get off try getting up and doing something that involves hand eye coordination for a short while (but not video games) eg a jigsaw or a crossword / soduko / similar puzzle or colouring.

Hope you can get some rest soon

[Hidden in reply to Concernedparent23]

That’s a good tip thanks. What about first thing in the morning though when I’m just panicking that I need to be asleep before I have to get up?!

[Concernedparent23 in reply to Hidden]

It’s a tricky one.

I hate it when I’m still awake 3 hours before I have to get up

Meditation and breathing exercises often work for me then e.g. the rotation of awareness that we practise at yoga. But it did take a while before I got to this point.

[Lizz_alva]

These are common problems that occur for many people, myself inculded. I too get racing and reoccuring thoughts in my head constantly, even for every second of every day for weeks. You must always remember that life shouldn't be lived with a constant worry. You have the ability to control certain parts of your mind. You have the ability to flick the switch and change a thought in your mind. Do things that will help you get distracted like hobbies and other interests. Im not a doctor but these things have helped in my favor. If you feel like this doesn't work, I suggest speaking with a counselor. Speaking your mind and letting out your exact thoughts can have such a profound positive effect on your body.

[Hidden in reply to Lizz_alva]

Thanks that’s really reassuring, thanks for taking the time to reply. The words that reasonated most was that life shouldn’t be lived with a constant worry. You’re right! We deserve more