As a Christian coach regardless of the specialty, you’ll encounter overthinkers. It’s a common concern among many individuals. This habitual act of analyzing, re-analyzing, and again analyzing thoughts, actions, and circumstances can drain energy, disrupt peace of mind, and deter individuals from realizing their full potential. It’s crucial to address this issue with compassion, understanding, and effective strategies to promote healthier thinking habits.
Understanding Overthinking
Overthinking is not merely deep or thorough contemplation. It’s akin to getting ensnared in a labyrinth of thoughts, constantly circling without finding an exit. It can stir up anxiety, hinder decision-making, disrupt sleep, and even prevent us from experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised us (John 10:10).
A Haven of Empathy
Before we delve into strategies, let’s acknowledge the emotional tumult of overthinking. Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of another—is the cornerstone of creating a safe, trusting space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their burdens.
Here are 3 strategies to help an overthinker:
Spot the Triggers
Identifying triggers—those certain situations, thoughts, emotions, or people that spark overthinking—is like shining a torch in a dark cave. Recognizing these triggers can empower individuals to better manage their response and develop effective coping strategies.
Teach Being in the Moment
Teaching mindfulness, the practice of focusing on the present moment, can be likened to helping someone find still waters amid turbulent seas. Mindfulness practices such as focused breathing and muscle relaxation can help quieten the mind and soothe the soul In Psalm 46:10, the psalmist writes, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In other words, we’re encouraged to quiet our minds, cease striving, and focus on the presence and power of God. This can be seen as an encouragement towards mindfulness.
Encourage Anchoring in Scripture and Prayer
Our faith is an anchor in the stormy seas of overthinking. Scripture provides a compass of comforting truths and prayer opens a lifeline to God. Encourage coachees to cast their anxieties onto Him, for He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7), and seek His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
As you accompany your coachees on their journey towards peace, remember that together we are all part of the body of Christ, seeking to support one another (Romans 12:5). If overthinking becomes a towering obstacle in their path, consider directing them to a mental health professional that aligns with their faith.
To support this journey further, I want to introduce our “From Overthinking to Clarity: Discerning God’s Voice Amidst the Noise” toolkit. This practical resource offers powerful strategies, rooted in Christian principles, to help navigate the winding paths of overthinking.
The journey from overthinking to clarity is not always straightforward, but remember, the footprints of Jesus are there to guide you. Keep journeying, keep growing, and keep the faith.
Bible Scripture Focus
Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.