Breaking Free from Overthinking: A Simple Phrase That Changed Everything

The other day, as I was diving into some Buddhist readings, I stumbled upon a phrase that struck me: “Many thoughts are irrelevant.”

As someone who tends to overthink just about everything, this hit home. My mind often gets tangled in thoughts about the past and what happened, worries about the future and what might happen, or whether my family thought the garlic bread I made for dinner last night was too toasted or just right.

If you have an anxious or overthinking brain, you know how hard it can be to combat all the “could’ve been” and “could be” thoughts that constantly seek to override rational thought. Over the years, I've immersed myself in Buddhism and psychology, trying to steer my thoughts in a healthier direction. I've spent countless hours focusing on mantras like “think about something else,” “just sit with it,” “thoughts are fleeting and will pass like the rain,” and “I am not my thoughts.” Despite my efforts, I hadn’t found the success I was looking for.

But over the last few days, I started doing something different. Whenever I catch myself in a thought loop, I tell myself, “That thought is irrelevant.” It’s incredible how, in an instant, that train of thought vanishes, and I’m left to focus on the present moment.

The impact this simple shift has had on my relationship with myself, my family, and my professional work has been nothing short of miraculous. I've even caught myself about to think or say something snarky, only to remember that those not-so-kind thoughts and comments are also irrelevant.

This small but powerful practice has been a game-changer for me. If you find yourself trapped in the cycle of overthinking, give it a try. Remind yourself that many thoughts are irrelevant, and see how it transforms your experience. Sometimes, all it takes is a single phrase to change everything.