The Thought Stopping Technique

How to STOP Overthinking

By: Erickson Institute

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Get out of your head—and back into your life.

Overthinking steals time, energy, and peace of mind. You replay conversations, weigh options until you’re exhausted, and imagine worst-case scenarios that never happen. The harder you try to quiet your mind, the louder it gets. What if you could stop the cycle without fighting yourself?

This book shows you how. Instead of trying to silence thoughts, you’ll learn to recognize the exact moment a loop begins—and interrupt it with simple, practical moves that take less than a minute. You’ll discover how to catch the roles your mind slips into when it’s stuck: the judge weighing pros and cons, the detective retracing every step, the sorter multiplying categories, and the editor polishing words long after the moment has passed. By seeing these patterns clearly, you’ll know exactly what to do to break free.

Inside you’ll find:

• A ten-second check to spot a loop as it starts.

• Micro-moves that reset your body and release tension instantly.

• A “loop ladder” that shows you how to match your response to the intensity of the cycle.

• A one-page map of your personal triggers and cues, so you’re always prepared.

• The “one tile forward” rule: a tiny action within 60 seconds that keeps you moving.

These tools are built for real life. You can use them when your thoughts won’t let you sleep, when you’re stuck in indecision at home, or when you find yourself pacing with regret. Each step is designed to be quick, portable, and effective right in the middle of the moment.

Overthinking doesn’t mean you’re broken. It’s just a loop your mind has practiced too well. Once you can see the loop, you can stop it. And once you can stop it, you’re free to live with more clarity, calm, and forward motion.