Download Article
Download Article
Everyone has confusing thoughts at times, but how do you face them and gain clarity? There are a number of things you can do to clear your mind and make thoughtful decisions, from deep breathing to journaling to picking up a new hobby. That’s why we’ve put together a psychology-backed list of ways to overcome confusion. If you’re ready to put your mind at ease, take a deep breath and read on.
Things You Should Know
- Focus on your present feelings and circumstances instead of the past or future to gain clarity and look at your confused thoughts objectively.
- Physically address confusing thoughts through activities like aerobic exercise, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Visit a mental health or medical professional if your confusion interferes with your day-to-day life or comes on suddenly and severely.
Steps
The Takeaway: Facing Confusing Thoughts
To face confusing thoughts, look at them objectively to see if any are based on actual facts. Physical activities like aerobic exercise, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can also help. If the confusion interferes with your daily life, consider visiting a mental health professional.
Expert Q&A
-
QuestionHow do you deal with a confused feeling?Dr. Kim Chronister is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She specializes in helping people struggling with substance abuse, relationship problems, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Dr. Chronister has contributed to and appeared on Access Hollywood, Investigation Discovery, and NBC News. She is the author of “Peak Mindset” and “FitMentality.” She holds an MA in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from Alliant International University.The best thing you can do is to allow yourself to be curious as to why you might be experiencing that feeling. Try to play with both sides of the idea, instead of stressing over the automatic confusing thought. Accept that you will be confused at times and do your best to be okay with not having the right answer in that exact moment.
Video
Tips
- Remember, confusion is a sign that you’re taking in new information that challenges your former view of the world and yourself. Feeling confused sometimes is part of growing.Thanks
- Don’t think less of yourself when you feel confused. Everyone feels lost at some point in their lives, and you’ll persevere through your situation.Thanks
- Be patient while you work through your confusing thoughts. Making thoughtful decisions and working on yourself is a process that takes time.Thanks
Warnings
- Prolonged or sudden bouts of confusion may be a sign of a deeper medical or mental condition. [24] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceThanks
- Seek professional help when you can no longer manage your confusion, thoughts, or feelings yourself and your day-to-day life is impacted. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201604/5-ways-stop-your-racing-thoughts
- ↑ Kim Chronister, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 20 September 2022.
- ↑ https://undergrad.research.ucsb.edu/2015/08/psa-ok-confused/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/stress/learning-deep-breathing
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201604/5-ways-stop-your-racing-thoughts
- ↑ Kim Chronister, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 20 September 2022.
- ↑ https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/tool-5-consider-more-helpful-thoughts/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-deal-with-constantly-feeling-overwhelmed
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2017/01/the-pros-and-cons-of-pros-and-cons-lists
- ↑ https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/tool-4-recognize-thinking-traps/
- ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/want-clear-thinking-relax/?page=2
- ↑ Kim Chronister, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 20 September 2022.
- ↑ https://screening.mhanational.org/content/my-mind-racing/?layout=actions_neutral
- ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0062593&type=printable
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2020/03/affirmations-for-difficult-times
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
- ↑ Kim Chronister, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 20 September 2022.
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/progressive-muscle-relaxation#Progressive-Muscle-Relaxation-Script
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/challenge-your-mind-and-body-to-sharpen-your-thinking-skills-201510298507
- ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/friends-family-members
- ↑ https://screening.mhanational.org/content/my-mind-racing/?layout=actions_neutral
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003205.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003205.htm
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15252-delirium
About This Article
While confusing or disturbing thoughts can make you feel anxious, taking the time to face them and better understand them can give you a fresh perspective. One way to more objectively view your thoughts is to write them down. Seeing your thoughts in writing can help separate them from your more immediate emotional reactions. When you see your thoughts in writing, try viewing them without judgment by asking yourself what advice you’d give to a friend. This can be helpful since you would likely talk to a friend with a bit more logic and kindness than you might talk to yourself. You can also think about the consequences of your thoughts if they lead to actions. For example, ask yourself “If I do X, what may happen,” or “If I do not do X, what may happen?” Another way to sort through your thoughts is to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or professional. If possible, talk to someone who has gone through a similar situation. To learn how to prepare your mind to face challenging thoughts, keep reading.
Reader Success Stories
- "Rising out of confusion is important. Confusion is brought about by circumstances. I like the part where you put emphasis on not harming any involved party when rising above it." ..." more
