LAHORE: Racing thoughts are a stream of thoughts that come quickly, one after the other. They may be about one subject or many different unrelated things. Racing thoughts have the power to completely take over a person’s mind, leaving them unable to focus on anything else. Racing thoughts rapidly move in a sequence, often ending in a worst-case scenario. Some people may hear them as a voice that they cannot ignore, but they may merely be subtle, background noise in the brain. There is no single cause of racing thoughts. They can be triggered by high stress, lack of sleep, medications, and some medical conditions. Fortunately, treating underlying health conditions or coping techniques can be effective in reducing or calming them. Racing thoughts may be caused by anxiety, depression, OCD, and amphetamine addiction. Mental health conditions causing racing thoughts may include: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), amphetamine addiction and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). When not caused by an underlying health condition, racing thoughts are more likely to happen during times of high stress. Severe lack of sleep and certain medications may also increase the risk of racing thoughts. There are ways to control racing thoughts and reduce their occurrence. It may take time and practice to master these strategies, but they can be useful for managing racing thoughts at any time. 1. Focus on now, not the future or the past: For some people, racing thoughts stem from something that has not happened and may never happen. Other people focus on things that happened in the past, which cannot be changed. People who experience racing thoughts should take every effort to think about what is happening right now. Saying to themselves:, “I won’t worry about the past or the future, I’ll focus on what I can control,” is a good place to start. 2. Take deep breaths: The body’s natural panic response is to speed up the heart and breathing rate. This may happen when the mind begins racing. Slower, deep breaths can reduce the body’s stress response and promote a feeling of calm, helping to quiet or stop racing thoughts. Deep breathing can be done anytime, without any particular training. Just breathing in for 3 seconds and out for 5 to 10 seconds is a simple way to accomplish this. 3. Think about other options: Because racing thoughts often end up in a worst-case scenario, it can be easy to get wrapped up in disaster. This can lead to a vicious cycle of more anxiety and continued racing thoughts. A person whose mind is racing may wish to tell themselves that this worst-case scenario is not going to happen. They can think about other, more desirable options that are more likely to occur. Instead of, “I’ll get fired for that mistake,” change the thought to, “Everyone makes mistakes, and I’ll do what I can to make it right.” 4. Use mantras: Mantras are simple words or phrases that people can repeat to calm the mind. They can be particularly useful in times of panic and racing thoughts. Phrases such as, “I can get through this,” or “It will be okay,” can be helpful. Mantras allow the mind to focus on one simple thought that is positive or encouraging. This turns the mind away from its racing thoughts. 5. Try distractions: A favorite hobby, especially one that is calming, can quiet the mind and help a person focus on something other than racing thoughts. Coloring books are a popular option for reducing stress and offer a calming distraction. Painting, gardening, cooking, or playing an instrument are other possibilities. 6. Exercise: Racing thoughts may be controlled with regular physical activity. Regular physical activity improves mental well-being and may be helpful during an episode of racing thoughts. Numerous studies have shown that exercise can have mood-boosting power. A study in Behavior Therapy says exercise improves symptoms of depression, while a study in the Journal of Sport Behavior found that just 15 minutes of exercise improved mood in college students. If a person feels racing thoughts developing, walking, jogging, or similar activities may help to settle the mind. Published in Daily Times, January 22nd 2018.