Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking and rumination? We’ve all been there—we can’t seem to get out of our own heads, endlessly replaying the same thoughts in our minds. The problem is that this type of thinking doesn’t allow us to make informed decisions. So, how do we create headspace and build patience to support informed decision making? Let’s take a look.

The Difference Between Ruminating and Processing Thoughts

It’s important to note that there is a difference between ruminating and processing thoughts. Rumination involves recycling the same thoughts over and over without actually coming to any conclusions; it usually leads to feelings of anxiety or depression. On the other hand, processing thoughts involves an active effort to examine them from different perspectives and come up with solutions or future plans. This type of thinking allows us to move forward with more clarity and confidence.

Creating Mental Space

Creating mental space is essential for informed decision making because it allows us to focus on the present moment and objectively evaluate all available information before acting on it. To create mental space, practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation for a few minutes each day. Mindfulness helps reduce stress, clear the mind, and increase focus so that we can make decisions based on thoughtful consideration rather than emotion-driven impulse decisions.

Building Patience

Patience is also key when it comes to making informed decisions. Rushing into action without fully evaluating all available data can lead to poor decision making or regret later down the line. Practice being present in the moment so that you can learn how your body responds physically when faced with difficult decisions—this will help you recognize when you need more time before deciding what course of action best suits your needs or goals. Once you have taken time to consider all options, act confidently knowing that you have thoughtfully evaluated each potential outcome before acting on it. 

Informed decision making requires headspace and patience—two things that are often hard for us humans to come by! But if we take the time each day to practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing exercises or meditation and actively work on building our patience muscle, then we will be better equipped to make more informed choices in life instead of relying solely on impulse decisions driven by our emotions. Doing so will help ensure that we make decisions that better align with our values, goals, and desires for ourselves moving forward into the future!