3 Books To Help You Stop Overthinking
Overthinking kills your dreams
So many of us suffer from overthinking.
We all have this voice that seems to be a maniac. One moment, the voice is happy; the other moment, it lashes out, and then a few seconds later, it judges other people.
Scientific research hasn’t shed light on who that voice is yet. No one knows!
However, philosophers and thinkers have been writing about it for centuries.
So here are the top three books on how to stop overthinking:
1. A Manual For Living by Epictetus
This classic text by Epictetus (called initially The Enchiridion) resonates significantly with me.
You can read it in one sitting, and it contains more wisdom per sentence than anything I’ve ever read.
You start seeing different things in books when you keep learning and developing. That’s what I love about re-reading books. The content doesn’t change; YOU change.
If you haven’t read this book, I recommend dropping everything right now and start reading it.
2. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
Philosophy will help you to stop overthinking — it doesn’t matter what kind or where it’s from. As long as you’re reading philosophy about life, you’ll get something out of it.
Globally speaking, you say there’s a difference between Western and Eastern philosophy. But both have the same goal: To help you live better.
They only have different vehicles to get there. The Stoics reasoned themselves to tranquillity. Eastern philosophies and methodologies like Buddhism, Zen, and mindfulness did it by removing reasoning. Instead, they observed the mind. That’s what meditation is.
You can also practice Eastern philosophy without meditating. And that’s what Michael Singer perfectly captures in The Untethered Soul. You can get many things out of this book: Spirituality, meditation techniques, and peace of mind.
Who needs to read this book?
Sceptical, practical, and open-minded people.
Singer does a great job of helping you stop overthinking without making things complicated or esoteric.
3. Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle
This is a collection of aphorisms about overthinking. It’s short, to the point, and highly practical.
Like Singer’s book, Tolle explains the techniques you can apply without getting bogged down by its history.
Most of us don’t care about the history of philosophy. We care about the practical application of it. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from the book:
“Whenever you are immersed in compulsive thinking, you are avoiding what is. You don’t want to be where you are. Here, Now.”
Overthinking only exists when you’re too busy chasing your desires or running from your repulsions. In fact, that’s what most of us do all our lives.
We need to find the courage within ourselves to be okay with life the way it is. Don’t wish things were different. Things are how they are — so stop asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Accept it. Only then can you be free of your mind.
Stay practical
Most of our thoughts are useless. William James, founder of the philosophical school of pragmatism, said it best:
“A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.”
The mind is a tool. It’s supposed to work for you, not against you.
If you want to stop overthinking, I recommend reading the above books. But remember that it’s more important to apply what you read.
More knowledge and thoughts are not the answer. It’s about executing.
Thank you for reading!
