An analytical mind can be one of the greatest gifts that we possess. A questioning mind is a breeding place for depth and provokes thoughtful insights. It can fuel our introspection, which leads to deep self awareness and rich results in our lives.

On the other hand, when a positive quality is used incorrectly, it can work against us and this is so with the topic of analyzing. Too much analyzing is, straight up, exhausting, can cause confusion and leads to crazy making. It’s linked to anxiety because constant analyzing pushes us toward excessive worry.

There’s a balance point to honor for those of us who have an analytical mind. When our mind is racing and frantic with stories based on assumptions versus facts, we’re not using our minds to help us thrive. When we’re stuck in “worst case scenario thinking” our mind is working against us, not for us.

So, when we’re trapped in our heads, how do we gain control in order to feel more at peace?

Here are some suggestions in order to calm a busy mind.

Focus on Fact

Facts point toward the truth of the matter.

A sure fire path toward a false sense of reality is to take action based on assumptions rather than facts. The bottom line is that assumptions are not based on facts, they’re based on our (often creative, although false) stories of how we perceive something to be true. Assumptions are based around our own belief systems and experiences, for better or for worse.

A huge grounding force for the analytical mind is to check in with yourself and take the time to assess whether your emotions and reactions are based around “facts” rather than your “story” of what you believe to be happening. (Did you get that? I know it can be wordy and confusing.) When we get into the habit of deciphering between what’s a fact vs. a story we can start to respond to the circumstances of our lives in a more leveled manner.

Look to Nature

Surround yourself with natural elements.

Nature and the organic process of the elements do not try to happen, they just are. A wave doesn’t try to break. A tree doesn’t try to grow. A flower doesn’t try to bloom. Nature just is. The process of nature is not forced. It’s a cycle with a natural flow that doesn’t require any sort of force. There’ s so much to learn from nature. As elementary as the above all sounds, we humans get caught up by trying to “figure out” and “fix” problems in our life. Nature provides a great reminder for us to allow, let flow and let go of control. Often times, the job will get done far more efficiently when we learn to allow a situation to cycle through without our added force.

Connect to Your Body

Connect back into your body.

Use your physical being in whatever way that suites you to bridge the mind/body connection. Get up and get moving. Discover what form of physical movement leads you to connect into your body. It’s so important that you find what this is for you. If you're looking to be an overall balanced person, you cannot deny your physical body adequate movement. This could and should be enjoyable. It doesn’t need to feel like a drag. If it does, then my guess is that you haven’t found what type of activity is a good fit for you. It’s out there, keep trying. Physical movement can help with getting you out of your head and back into your body.

Practice Being Present

Get present by getting out of your head and tapping into your heart.

How do you get present you ask?

Breath deep, feel the air going into your nose and out of your mouth. Focus on the moment at hand and become engaged with the now. As you move forward with your day, do your best to fully BE in your experience. Look people directly in the eye, focus on the conversation your having by listening deeply rather than thinking about what you’re going to say next. Get immersed into the song your listening too. Taste the food your eating. Feel and hear the elements around you. Step fully and deeply into what is happening around you now. Get out of your mind regarding the past and the future and center in the now by focusing on what’s happening presently.

Put the reins on that analytical mind of yours. Life is much better when you’re navigating it from your heart rather than your head.

* The above image was taken by Amy Bjornson, San Diego Photographer.