The day has barely begun, but you’re already stressing about your day at work.

The task in front of you seems insurmountable, and you’re just trying to figure out how to get through the day.

Why is it that, even in a job you might love, sometimes you get so overwhelmed? Most of the time, you’ll find the same pattern.

You’re overthinking things. 

Sadly, this kind of hyper-focus has a way of creating too much confusion and preventing you from getting anything done at all!

How do you stop this?

1.)Start With Your Intention

Good days don’t just happen. 

If you wake up well-rested and take care of yourself from the onset of the day (meaning eat healthily and get some exercise), you’re apt to start with a more positive mindset. 

From there, decide how you’re using your time today. A schedule gives you direction and tells you what you should be doing.

2.) Set a Limit

Speaking of scheduling, keeping on task, and giving yourself less time to overthink starts with your timer. 

Start by giving yourself only five minutes to deal with small things (such as responding to an email) or set 30-minute chunks to work on more significant projects.

Having a time crunch keeps you focused and gives you less time to worry about what you’re doing.

3.) Put Yourself in Motion

Overthinking stops you cold and keeps things from happening.  

If you find yourself stalling out completely, make a list of the next couple of steps.

What’s the next best thing?

Once you know this, then act. 

4.) Let Things Go

Some overthinking is just stressing about things you can’t control. 

Remember, some things aren’t up to you. 

Rather than worrying endlessly about whether or not your boss likes you, or over whether someone will respond to your email, take a step back. 

Focus on something you can control.

5.) Look for the Disaster

Overthinking likes to pick at you, naming all the ways things can go wrong.

Usually, these thoughts are very inflated and not reflective of reality.

Ask yourself instead,

What is the worst thing that can really happen in the situation? 

Now try asking yourself what the best positive outcome would be instead. 

Which would you rather focus on?

The key here is to redirect your emotions. Don’t let your emotions get away from you.