The image illustrates two distinct ways of thinking in different life situations. One head has a series of loops drawn with a white line, indicating chaos and disarray. The other head has a line moving in concentric circles, signifying a peaceful and orderly state of mind. This topic was published on the Harvard Health portal.

People who struggle with racing thoughts often worry about what they need to do next, what they have not accomplished yet, and what may be coming their way. This type of thinking is often linked to anxiety disorders. When these thoughts become overwhelming, it can be difficult to stay focused and feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of worry.

To manage busy thoughts, it’s important to recognize that they are just “noise” in your mind and not always accurate or helpful. Practicing mindfulness can help shift your thinking patterns towards a calmer state of being. Additionally, engaging in physical activity, finding ways to distract yourself, and scheduling time for worry can all be helpful strategies to prevent busy thoughts from controlling you.

If you find that busy thoughts are significantly impacting your life or sleep quality, it may be beneficial to consult with a family doctor or mental health professional as they may be related to anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, trauma or other mental health issues that require treatment.