Supriya Ramesh • 07 Feb 2025
Mind Stuck on Repeat? Try These Hacks to Get Your Mind Off Something
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We have all been there—stuck in an endless mental loop, replaying conversations, stressing about the future, or overanalysing what your cat really meant when they stared at you for ten minutes straight. When your brain latches onto something like a toddler with a biscuit, it can feel impossible to shift your focus. But don’t worry—here is a guide to hitting the mental “refresh” button without drastic measures like adopting a new identity in the Alps.
1. The Distract-and-Conquer Method
Distraction is a classic trick, but let’s get creative. Forget scrolling social media (because let’s be honest, that is just swapping one mental spiral for another). Instead, try:
- Watching a random documentary about a topic you know nothing about.
- Learning an obscure skill, like juggling, whistling with your fingers, or speed-solving a Rubik’s cube—just enough brainpower to hijack your thoughts.
- Playing the “how many weird objects can I balance on my head?” game. Bonus points for impressing housemates.
2. Move… But Make It Weird
Exercise helps, but not everyone wants to do lunges in their living room. Instead, try:
- Walking backwards around your house as a personal challenge.
- Doing an entire workout badly on purpose—dramatic push-ups, exaggerated stretches, the works.
3. The ‘Talk to Yourself’ Trick
Your brain is being an annoying houseguest. Time to take control. Try:
- Narrating your actions like you are in a wildlife documentary.
- Writing a letter to the thought that won’t go away, then replying as if you are an unbothered celebrity.
- Saying your worries out loud in a ridiculous voice—chipmunk, pirate, overly dramatic Shakespearean actor.
4. Change the Scenery, Even Slightly
If you can’t go out, shake things up inside. Sit on the floor instead of the sofa. Rearrange your furniture—because nothing says “fresh start” like your chair being slightly to the left.
At the end of the day, the more absurd the method, the better it works. Your brain loves novelty, so give it something to chew on besides that thing it won’t shut up about. And if all else fails? Just go stare at a duck for a while. Ducks have it figured out.
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