Overthinking while high can turn a pleasant experience into a spiraling anxiety attack. It's a common problem, and thankfully, there are proven strategies to help you manage those racing thoughts and regain control. This guide outlines tested methods to help you stay grounded and enjoy your high without the overwhelming mental chatter.
Understanding Why You Overthink When High
Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand why cannabis can exacerbate overthinking. Cannabis affects the brain's prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for executive functions like planning and decision-making. This can lead to:
- Heightened Sensory Perception: Everything feels amplified, including your thoughts. What might be a fleeting worry sober becomes a significant concern when high.
- Disrupted Thought Processes: The already complex network of thoughts becomes even more tangled, leading to a cascade of interconnected worries.
- Impaired Emotional Regulation: Cannabis can intensify emotions, making it harder to manage negative feelings and anxieties.
Practical Techniques to Stop Overthinking While High
These techniques are designed to ground you in the present moment and redirect your focus away from anxious thoughts.
1. Mindfulness and Meditation:
- Focus on your breath: Simple deep breathing exercises can calm your nervous system. Inhale slowly, hold for a few seconds, and exhale deeply. Repeat this several times.
- Body scan meditation: Bring your awareness to different parts of your body, noticing any sensations without judgment. This helps to anchor you in the physical world.
- Guided meditations: Many apps offer guided meditations specifically for anxiety, which can be particularly helpful when high. Look for keywords like "cannabis anxiety meditation" or "present moment awareness meditation."
2. Distraction Techniques:
- Engage your senses: Listen to calming music, watch a funny video, or savor a delicious snack. Engage your senses to pull your attention away from overthinking.
- Physical activity: A light walk, some stretching, or even just dancing can help to release pent-up energy and clear your head. The physical exertion can be a powerful distraction.
- Creative pursuits: Engage in a hobby like drawing, painting, or writing. Creative activities can help to channel your thoughts into something productive.
3. Environmental Control:
- Create a calming space: Dim the lights, light candles (if safe to do so), and play soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Avoid triggers: Identify situations or stimuli that tend to trigger your overthinking and try to minimize exposure to them while high.
- Spend time in nature: The tranquility of nature can be incredibly grounding and calming. A walk in the park or a hike in the woods can be very beneficial.
4. Social Connection (If Comfortable):
- Talk to a trusted friend: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can help to alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of support. Just make sure the person is someone you feel comfortable talking to about your experience.
- Engage in a conversation: Shift your focus to the present by having a conversation with a friend or family member.
5. Acceptance and Self-Compassion:
- Acknowledge your thoughts: Instead of fighting your thoughts, try to simply observe them without judgment. Recognize them as temporary and passing.
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself. It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Remind yourself that these feelings are temporary.
Preventing Overthinking in the Future
- Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a low dose of cannabis and gradually increase the amount only if needed and tolerated well.
- Choose the Right Strain: Different strains have different effects. Research strains known for their relaxing and calming properties.
- Set Intentions: Before consuming cannabis, set your intention for the experience. Focus on relaxation, creativity, or connection, rather than getting lost in anxious thoughts.
- Mindful Consumption: Pay attention to how cannabis affects you. If you notice it leading to overthinking, adjust your consumption accordingly.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help. If you're struggling to manage your overthinking while high, consider speaking to a mental health professional or seeking support from a trusted friend or family member. By implementing these strategies and practicing self-awareness, you can learn to navigate your cannabis experience with greater ease and enjoyment.
