What is the best way to stop thinking?

1. 69

   Elefanzaposted 13 years ago

   What is the best way to stop thinking?
   
   Basically, I'm having a hard time running right now because I can't convince my brain to turn off. This conflicts with when I want to run as running distracts from thought. I want to keep running, but it's hard to stop thinking. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Meditation?

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2. 60

   Daniel C. Metzposted 13 years ago

   I suggest planning your runs into your daily routine, and maintain a level of consistency. Basically get your brain into a repeated thought process every time prior to your run. Drink a cup of coffee as you relax on the couch, or stretch and take deep breaths for 10 minutes before each run.
   Also, after a day full of stimulation, your brain is extremely active and wants to continue to process all the new information it picked up throughout the day. Allowing for some "nothing time" will help slow down your thought process. If you plan on running at this time on this day, you will go running no matter how much is going on in your life, because it is a structured and planned decision. Your mind will feel more at ease. To help learn about your body and health, visit my page at http://hubpages.com/hub/Body-Fat-Percen … s-The-Best

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3. 60

   lxxyposted 13 years ago

   Get busy thinking about how you think. No, really, it's great. Look up Metacognition.

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4. 81

   Wesman Todd Shawposted 13 years ago

   . . . . . . .
   
   I had at least two hundred words typed, srsly, and now, and I don't know why, they are gone.

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5. 82

   David R Bradleyposted 13 years ago

   Start looking into Mantra Practice.  I'm been working on it myself and have much success turning down the mental chatter...  I blogged on it if you want to take a look there (http://puravidakettlebells.blogspot.com … -days.html) but after I heard this CD (http://www.niurkainc.com/mantra-a-pract … rosperity/) I knew I had to give it a go.  Hope that helps!

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6. 63

   Tony DeLorgerposted 13 years ago

   One can't stop thinking, but you can control it to some extent. Yes, meditation is one of the best methods in calming the thoughts. It takes some effort but the results are worth it. What you do is focus on something, like a dot on a wall. Take a few deep breaths and concentrate. When a thought comes into your mind, gently replace it with the dot. Do not content. Just keep replaceing the random thoughts with the focus, gently. In awhile, the thoughts will calm down a little and with practice the focus will dominate. Do this every day. It will take some time, but you can slowly learn to control and be more aware of the thought process. Good Luck.

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7. 60

   Detective Lposted 13 years ago

   Be a dead man.  That way you won't be able to think a single thing.  Or a much better way would be watching mr.bean.  It wont require any thinking skills but be careful, avoid to copy him.hehe

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8. 60

   awoodogposted 13 years ago

   Well to be honest, I don't think you can stop thinking, at least thats what I think I think. The best thing you can do is think about something that helps at that moment, if it is running think about the pace you are going or think about your breathing. You can't block it out completely so try and make it work for you and with you.

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9. 59

   C.V.Rajanposted 13 years ago

   I see some people blabbering incessantly, without thinking on what they really talk! So it could be one method?

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10. 78

    schoolgirlforrealposted 13 years ago

    I think that thinking to much can be a symptom of mania. which is called rapid thoughts. medicine can help you may have bipolar, do you have depression too?
    
    Otherwise...I agree in avoiding medication. Let's see, try yoga, or a relaxion method....something that helps you focus,,maybe make a list of things that help you relax, maybe write in your journal or hubpages....

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11. 61

    Jaymeyarochposted 13 years ago

    What you need is to stop thinking about everything at once.  You could suffer from anxiety, and therapy could help you focus.
    
    However, meditation helps my friend focus when he over thinks about things.  He focuses on one single thing (a rock, his hand, even a painting he saw as a kid).  He lets that one thing fill him, fill his mind like water in a cup.  He also uses deep breathing exercises to increase oxygen to the brain, which helps in concentration.  It's why you yawn.
    
    Meditation only works if you have some serious self discipline.  I recommend deep breathing while listening to calming music.  Even if what calms you down consists of screeching guitars and throaty vocals.
    
    If you can't think of what calms you, then use that as your first focus.  You do not always have to use the same focus..

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12. 60

    toysofclayposted 13 years ago

    Thinking is not a bad issure. Thinking bad is a issure which can be controlled. The best way to control is stay busy in some kind of hobby, study, games or things you like.

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13. 56

    Veianetposted 13 years ago

    Thinking is good for your brain, keep it busy and sharp. Instead of running, walk and stop to smell the roses and admire the beauty around you...

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14. 0

    Butch Newsposted 13 years ago

    There is no easy answer.  Meditation may work if you have the patience for it.
    
    Not sure what you mean by running... as in running on your legs?

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15. 57

    wooggyposted 13 years ago

    Why would you wish to stop thinking my friend? anyway ? am able to slow down my thinking laying down and relaxing my muscles from head to foot. try it

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16. 57

    JCminposted 13 years ago

    Usually i run to help me calm myself down and think rationally. But if I want to block everything out, I put on my earphones and turn the volume up!

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17. 58

    marksteven007posted 13 years ago

    Lot of thinking is the bad causes for Brain. It will create low pressure! My suggestion is listen music, Deep sleep and keep enjoy with movie. I think you will be fine from your tension. Thanks

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18. 61

    Think Yourselfposted 13 years ago

    I guess you never stop thinking ... maybe while deeply meditating. But still subconscious mind would never sleep.

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19. 92

    Gabriel Wilsonposted 13 years ago

    These days most of us have so much to do it's almost impossible not to be thinking about something most of the time.
    I find writing my thoughts down help me think a little less. I also find doing an exercise I need to concentrate on also helps, like canoeing or climbing.
    Perhaps you should change your route or better still get a running partner. Concentrate on your running technique, slowing down, speeding up, running 10 long strides followed by 10 short strides_or something similar. Try counting your strides while you run. Concentrate on your heart beat_can you hear it? How quick is it beating? Count the beats!
    I'm sure you'll get your stride back soon.

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20. 57

    MoneyCreator24posted 13 years ago

    Who said that we think? Perhaps it is rather that we be thought. Who knows?
    
    However, to answer the question ...
    
    Take a walk in the fresh air. Alone. Maybe an hour. Or two. Only observe nature. Listen to the sounds. Smell the fragrances. Feel the wind in your hair. Enjoy every moment.
    When you come home, you realize you had ceased to think.
    Try it.

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21. 82

    vox vocisposted 13 years ago

    Yes, meditation is great, but not many people actually succeed to do it properly. I've tried, it didn't help (but I'll keep trying). I always think about something, but not all ''thinking'' is difficult and stressful. So, it depends what you are thinking about.  Yoga and exercises for proper breathing might help. Or, reading something interesting that has nothing to do with the object of your thinking.

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22. 61

    Naomi Jayneposted 13 years ago

    Another way to look at it is perception, what we are thinking about-How are we perceiving  what we are thinking about?
    
    And our perception on say the tree about to come past or the bench the man is sitting at feeding the birds.... is it getting dark for him yet,,,analyse yourself thinking-perceiving the world around you and then you can get into ways of changing altering your perception....
    Running with a hopp or a skip  to the left....I have tryed it for walking and well it really makes you laugh which relaxes your mind so you can keep it light hearted and complete your exercise goal.
    Try it...It works

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23. 61

    GusTheRedneckposted 13 years ago

    I hate to jump on the obvious, but the only way I know of to "stop thinking" is to drop dead. I do not think that is a great idea.
    
    If, what you mean by "running" is physically running (like running around the track, etc.) then you can try to put your mind onto something and forget about thinking how your running gait  or the finish line happens to be.
    
    People can chew gum and wiggle their nose at the same time.
    
    Anyway, "Detective L" said it nicely.

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24. 54

    saasservicesposted 13 years ago

    the best way to stop thinking is to meditate,do it every morning when there is really peace everywhere. you will be glad you did.

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25. 62

    medorposted 13 years ago

    the best way to stop thinking is to write down the important stuff, then take away all the distractions... and relax, breathe deeply and focus on one thing... i like classical music... i shut my eyes... relax my body... and listen to all the instruments and just  focus... relax  relax  relax

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26. 61

    bookblogposted 13 years ago

    Just let go.  If you intellectualize it too much you will go round in circles. Run, breathe in the fresh air, give thanks that you are healthy and can run and just let go, be free.  You can do it and smile.

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27. 60

    ArefinShamsposted 13 years ago

    When I was a child ( 9-10 years old), I did not talk much-I mean I was not so talkative. I read comic books and was used to pass my time by thinking. Whatever, one day I was thinking, is it possible to stop thinking? I tried, I couldn't, then I noticed there is a ceiling  fan in the room. It was making a little sound. I paid all my attention to hear that noise, no thinking just hear hear hear ...........the sound of the fan......may be I just converted the thinking into listening(!) whatever, that time, for about 5-7 minutes I was able to stop thinking. I am still able to do it, and when I saw this question, I tried it again before writing the answer!

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28. 0

    reeltaulkposted 13 years ago

    yeah, maybe that will work!  Also whatever you're thinking so much about refrain from entertaining it.  It's obvious you've made it something of importance because it has taken control of you, your thoughts as well as you focusing on other things

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29. 59

    EmoIsCoolposted 13 years ago

    u want to stop thinking abt the thing which is bothering u???
    
    u juj hav to keep u busy all day long bcoz u will think abt dat thing if u r not doing something...
    
    i got this advice frm a cousin...
    
    u juj hav to b busy lyk reading a funny book or watch a fuuny movie
    or listening to music (not heartbroken)
    
    it will take some days or weeks...even months....
    but still try it n also dont b weak n tell to urself that u cant do it...
    okiie....GOOD LUCK TO U!!!
    :-)

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30. 59

    Shane..Sposted 13 years ago

    What i usually do when i try to stop and think is lay down, and blast the music your into (songs you know the lyrics to) and sing along with the music, its very helpful for me i hope it works for you to

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31. 68

    Rosie2010posted 13 years ago

    I have this ability to close my mind and just not think of anything at all.  I do that when I am very stressed out. I lie down and close my eyes and blank out everything, it's so relaxing and peaceful.

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32. 70

    Sullen91posted 13 years ago

    I think your question is intended this way: How does one overcome distracting thoughts?
    
    Deal with the issue at hand, discuss the issue in hopes of resolving it with a friend, or rationalize the response of ignoring it for some time. Categorize the issues you think about constantly along the scale of; many small issues emanating from a few larger issues; a few considerable issues that cause you to imagine many other issues that don't exist; or, primarily marginal issues that crop up in negative thought patterns. Depending on the nature of your thoughts, you might want to address the matter at the heart of it, or isolate your frantic thinking as the culprit.
    
    In the space of more information as to the emotions that accompany these thoughts, the appropriate response could be as wide ranging as adjusting your schedule, to the appropriate other extreme of therapy and medication such as benzodiazepine drugs, which promote the action of Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that slows activity between neurons.

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33. 60

    rindhaposted 13 years ago

    meditation is the only answer...one thought process...to no thought at all. process... .

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34. 0

    Zincgoldposted 13 years ago

    the best way to stop thinking about the subject which is bothering you is to think about something else or try meditation but remember focus on meditation like what you are doing. if you are doing breathing excercise focus on it or you can start counting too but focus is the key point. you can't get anywhere without focusing on what you doing, music is the best way, dance on the beat till u tired.. try to enjoy what u are doing and im sure you will stop thinking.

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35. 57

    om_alshantiposted 13 years ago

    Who does the thinking, your mind or you? Just observe the thoughts and don't let them have any value at all, leave them as they are and they naturally subside. Why get distracted by waves if there is such a serene quietness and beauty in the ocean.

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36. 56

    jwhite53posted 13 years ago

    You need to have an affirmation which is a statement such as "concentrate"  or "be here now". You have to repeat it over and over . This will help block out unwanted thoughts. For more information visit my hub page : neuroscience news.

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37. 58

    Shuemposted 13 years ago

    An overload in thinking oftentimes refers to disbalance in soul, which is feeling and all memories. When even running doesn't help enough anymore to find some more room between the thoughts, healing and/or meditation might help. But as many others already said; you need a good instructor otherwise you might give up quite soon without actually having the real experience.
    
    A powerful combination is Shuem Attention Management and Healingmeditation. Attention Management is about learning to let go of thoughts, feelings etc. and also about clearing your energy. Healingmeditation are shamanic rituals that draw you into a more silent, open and relaxed space within yourself. It transforms negativity and heavy emotions, which makes it easier to let go of thoughts, feelings etc.

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38. 69

    khmazzposted 11 years ago

    I have the same problem that you do constantly, my brain always is going a mile a minute to the point of my stress level rising.  There are a few tthings that I do to help "turn off" my brain.  One of them is to write and write and write until all of my thoughts that have been buzzing around in my brain are out on paper.  This typically helps when I am frustrated or upset about something.  Another tacktic for me is yoga.  I find a class at my gym that works into my schedule and take some much needed "me" time.  While I am doing yoga I try to focus on the moves that I am doing and relaxing my muscles into their positions, thus helping my mind to stop jumping from topic to topic.  And the last thing I do is take a nice hot bath with a glass of my favorite wine.  Sometimes just the simple me time that I take out of my busy day is just what the doctor ordered.  Hope you find what works for you!! Good Luck!

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