Overthinking and overwhelm are common challenges, but a simple and powerful technique can help: the brain dump.
I often do this at work. When there are just too many things to do or complex projects that need to be broken down so that I know where to start, a good brain dump using a note-taking and task-management app can be a great way to clear my head.
I’ve also tried to do similar things in my personal life at various times. Often, it’s when many things go on: vacation planning, scheduling, birthdays, paying bills, etc. Having them written down means the only thing I must remember to do daily is look at my to-do list. That works pretty well. This article makes me wonder if I could use a similar technique to help when I’m anxious by brain-dumping a list of what I can do and can’t. Perhaps instead of worrying about what might be coming around the corner, a session of writing it all down would help put it in a proper perspective.
It’s worth a try. This process usually reduces my stress around projects at work. There’s no reason it shouldn’t have a similar impact on social anxiety and other stresses in daily life.
Have you tried doing a brain dump when you’re stressed and anxious?