How do you stop your brain from doing something like.. thinking about a stupid idea that makes you nervous?

Question

How do you stop your brain from doing something like thinking about a stupid idea that makes you nervous when you know the idea has no basis in reality, but it is so deeply engrained that It keep reappearing over and over. Every once in a while an idea will pop in my head that makes me very self concious, such as "oh no their going to think.. this is or that" then I will start acting different to compensate for this thought, thus making other people nervous.but at the same time my higher brains feels like I really don't care!! It's like an automatic idea my brain thinks, then I think, this is stupid.. but it still makes me feel uncomfortalbe. How do I stop retarded thoughts? Why am I cursed with the stupid stuff that doesn't matter , even popping into my head? I just hope I will have more control over my thoughts as I get older, but I am already 24.. I just want my brain to be okay with me no matter what anyone thinks, but It's like it doesn't feel it can stand on its own! Help

trust me it goes even deeper then just thinking this, if I really listen to what my thoughts are saying, it's like "why are you even thinking this, this is the problem right here, well you are still thinking about it because you're trying to stop thinking about it." Then I'm just focused on this stupid thought, down and endless tunnel and I totally miss what's going on around me, making me act weird and reinforcing the original thought that I probably am looking weird, does this make any sense?

Answer 1

I used to get that way a lot. I still do sometimes, but as I have gotten older, it has gotten easier. Part of it might be self-confidence, another part of it is that you just might be sensitive to your feelings and those feeling of others. Not an all bad thing, you just have to learn how to manage it.

One thought that helped me was to think about how many people there are in this world, and I am just one little person amongst them. So if I said something stupid, so what? Life goes on, and it is likely that the people I embarrassed myself in front of are just in my life briefly.

And then if you do embarrass yourself, so what? Does what other people think of me really matter? A little, but not enough for me to fuss about. They have flaws just like I do.

Just keep trying and practicing. Realize that you have value as a person and contributions to make towards the group of people you are interacting with. Just relax and enjoy life.

Answer 2

"Over thinking, over analyzing, separates the body from the mind."
-Tool

You're a thinker and you naturally analyze every little detail. The anxiety of being wrong or cast out makes you extremely nervous, because deep down we all want to be accepted as who we are.

It's a curse and a blessing. Most people are not in tune with their inner self. However, being in tune with the self causes these thoughts to continue their work (wanted or not). Your brain probably keeps yapping even when you're trying to fall asleep, doesn't it?

I've tried a lot of methods (meditation, bio feedback, etc.) I still cannot let go of where I am. Do you also have trust issues?

It's not such a bad thing as the years go by. The key is learning how to channel this energy into something productive. For example, you should keep a journal of these thoughts, just to get them out. I blog like a fiend on my 360 page - it's my therapy.

Answer 3

Think of something else. Seriously. Everyone is cursed with retarded thoughts.

I have a list of topics I enjoy thinking about. When stuff comes up that is insane or that I have problems dealing with, I mentally scan my list of topics.

I also keep a specific spiritual genre book with me all just about all times, so that if I get a moment during the day I can leaf through it for positive thoughts. That helps alot too. So does taking a moment to call a friend and explain my insane thoughts. Then they tell me how stupid that thought is, and we laugh about it.

Do you abuse substances? By this I mean any amount of anything illegal and/or drinking solely for effect. Pain meds are illegal if you're not following the dosage, or they belong to someone else.

Answer 4

Well, I think that this subconscious voice of yours is healthy. But if it is at the point where you CONSTANTLY think about what other people think and such, then maybe you should go see a therapist. I know people gringe at that idea, but they aren't there for "wackos." They are people there to listen to other people. It is actually very soothing and she/he will probably have some helpful hints or ideas to help you get over your inner voice of confidence or lack of..whichever you prefer. If you really hate that idea, just block it out. Just block out those thoughts when they come to you and think about something else. Or think the exact opposite of what the thoughts are telling you. I.E. You hair is goofy today. Think: My hair is so hot, everyone wishes they had my hair. That kind of self confidence leaks out onto people and they are very aware and kean perceptors of this type of behavior. When they see you acting like this, they will probably think you're very comfortable with yourself and wish they were like you!

Answer 5

Definitely sounds like anxiety- maybe social, but maybe not. I would look into obsessive-compulsive disorder. It maybe something that you're self-conscious about, or related to something that worries you. It has become an obsession that you cannot stop yourself from thinking about. Try things to distract yourself from these thoughts. Put a rubberband around your wrist and snap it when you think this way or pick something pleasant to think about for when it happens. Or try writing when it happens. Write all about it- you might find a way to make sense of it all, which might bring you peace. Anxiety meds may be helpful at first, but they're only a "band-aid." I wouldn't recommend them unless this is related to post-traumatic stress. Try talking with a therapist instead. Someone else may be able to help you talk your way to understanding.

Answer 6

OK, we all have that certain part of use that has wild, crazy, goofy thoughts. However if you cannot control your reactions/action to these thoughts then you need to go to your Doctor. Stress could be bringing on the strange thoughts. So, if you know you do not have any underlying mental / medical problems, and this has not gone on for years and years, no worries mate. It is prob stress. So take some time everyday to free write in a notebook,(just for your eyes) put all the 'thought in there" and then you can" get them outta your head." It helps to free write your problems, thoughts, hopes,ect.... Hope this helps...

Answer 7

I think we live life on many levels, not always according to what we believe or really want to be. Parents, girlfriends, wives, teachers, they are leave an imprint on our minds. For some with very active mind, this ends up as an unending series of what-ifs that can paralyse action. I suggest listen to your gut. Take each action as an experiment to test alternative views and action. Not everybody can think up alternatives. Also try meditation which is about understanding how the mind works and working with the mind.

Answer 8

I'm in your position also but I dont think you can stop such thoughts, they just come and go. You have to really gain more of that "I dont care" personality, if you think of what everyone is thinking of you, itll just make you anxious and nervous. You're deffinitly not cursed with this, your human, everyone thinks about everything but you just have to work on not getting it under your skin. You have to have that self-confidence. Dont worry too much of other's opinions, your you, be proud of it and if no one cant accept that then screw them.

Answer 9

Count. Clear the negative thoughts by counting and making sure that you verbally think about each number as you count. You can only think one conscious thought at a time if you concentrate so the simplest way to control it is to count. It really helps you to get to sleep too.

Answer 10

practice, practice, practice; the brain is a muscle, if u practice u can make it stronger; meditate, try to relax and keep your mind empty; or look at something really gross while thinking about your favorite food, etc it is an awesome power takes lots of practice

i know how u feel i been there 2