The image showcases two distinct ways of thinking that can impact an individual’s life. One head is depicted with a chaotic array of loops drawn with a white line, while the other has a calm and controlled series of concentric circles. This topic was featured on the Harvard Health portal.

People who struggle with racing thoughts frequently find themselves preoccupied with what they need to accomplish, what they failed to accomplish, and what their next move should be. Such thoughts are often the result of anxiety. When these thoughts become overwhelming, it can be challenging to remain focused and may leave one feeling trapped.

To overcome anxious thoughts, it’s essential to recognize that they are merely mental noise and not indicative of any inherent truth. Practicing mindfulness can help shift one’s thinking patterns. Engaging in physical activity, finding distractions, and setting aside specific time for worrying are also strategies that may be helpful in managing busy thoughts effectively.

If anxious thoughts persist or interfere with a person’s daily life or sleep patterns, seeking medical advice from a family doctor or mental health professional may be necessary as these thoughts could be related to anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, trauma, or other underlying mental health issues.