Yoga against obsessive rumination: What can you do to stop your mind reeling?

Almost everyone knows it: Our thoughts are on a whirlwind. The problem is that it never stops. The mind can't find peace, which has a direct impact on our mood, our body, and our well-being. For many people, ruminating is part of their daily stress pattern. Even if it seems hopeless, there are tools and methods to combat this problem. Yoga and meditation, for example, can help you become more aware and mindful of yourself. For the best inspiration, read this post.

When the wheel of thoughts in your head doesn’t stop

Most of the time, our thoughts revolve around things we worry about. Often, these are even problems we have no control over. So, we go from one thought to the next, one worry following the next. Our minds are always working at peak performance, trying to analyze things down to the last detail. Of course, it's human nature to use our minds and achieve great results. If you use your brain to analyze things, find a solution, and then be content with it, then it's good for inner peace.

However, if it's different for you, then you should find a method that will give you peace again. Even the misconception that once this or that problem is solved, you'll find peace again – that won't be the case in most cases. Those caught up in this brooding will always find another problem to brood over. Therefore, the situation must be resolved from the beginning. The chaos in your head must be reduced and broken out of.

The solution: awareness and mindfulness

When you become aware of this, the thoughts won't automatically stop. However, you can be sure that your life will become easier. Those who take their own thoughts and emotions seriously and acknowledge them can bring about change.

Say STOP – You are the ruler

If you manage to declare war on your ruminations by consciously stopping the carousel of thoughts, you've taken the first step. For a moment, the chaos will cease. It may return later. Even then, it's important to acknowledge this and give yourself the impulse to say "STOP !" out loud.

The goal, among other things, is to understand that you are the one who decides. Your thoughts don't have power over you; you say what you want or don't want. You have the final say and the power to break through any self-consciousness.

In summary, this means: First, you notice your thoughts and decide whether they are meaningful, purposeful, and appropriate. If so, you can continue thinking. However, if you notice that stress is increasing and negative thoughts are taking over, quickly tell yourself "STOP." Now it's important to try not to fall back into this trap and instead find other things to focus on. This is especially recommended before falling asleep.

The best tips for rapid change

• Notice your thoughts and sort out whether they are helpful or not.
• Accepting that these thoughts are currently in your head is crucial to bringing about change. Avoid judging yourself for them at all costs.
• If the chaos or anxiety in your head is so great, write everything down. These notes can help you free your mind and have everything in black and white for once. This will help you better understand whether your thoughts are conducive to inner happiness or not.
• Focus on something else: When you're so caught up in your own world, it's difficult to find your way. It's helpful to focus on your senses in these moments. What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you see? While it may be a distraction at first, it brings you closer to yourself and the present moment.
• Understand that you are the creator of your life. If you can understand that you manifest your own life, then it will be easier for you to change your mindset. Know that negative thoughts, feelings, or attitudes cause events on this frequency to enter your life. You don't have to be afraid of this, but you can integrate this within yourself.
• Positive affirmations: I am enough, I am loved, I am wonderful, I am safe, etc.

If you notice this carousel of thoughts, you should act as quickly as possible—too many thoughts can potentially lead to mild depression. This should be avoided.

Yoga and ruminations: Why can asanas help?

In addition to the tips mentioned above, yoga can help you focus on yourself and your inner values.

Buddhist teachings help you focus on your body. Thanks to the beneficial combination of movement and breath, you feel freer and more present in the moment. It also acts as a distraction. It also trains your concentration and clarity, which are especially important in situations where you feel uncertain. Therefore, it's more beneficial to get on the yoga mat more often than to brood.

If you're new to yoga and want to stop overthinking the sequences, it might be helpful to work one-on-one with a yoga teacher. Together, you can create a sequence of exercises that are particularly beneficial to you.

When it comes to brooding or mild depression, there isn't one specific exercise that helps everyone—it all depends. Many sufferers prefer slow Yin Yoga sequences, while in other situations, fast Vinyasa flows are significantly more helpful.

Great exercises can be:

• Trikonasana (Triangle)
• Savasana (supine position)
• Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
• Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
• Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

What you should definitely not neglect, however, is the trifecta of yoga, meditation on your comfortable cushion , and breathing exercises. Breathing also gives you stability and an anchor in difficult times.

Choose the exercises that are good for you at that moment and practice yoga daily – the changes won't be long in coming.

Do you ruminate a lot? If so, what do you do about it?