Absolutely, I can create a lesson plan for you. Here it is:

**Lesson Plan: "Overcoming Overthinking"**

**Objective 1:**
Listen to the podcast on overthinking by Iuri Melo, a Co-founder of Schoolpulse and licensed therapist.

- Duration: 5 minutes

**Activity:**
1. Introduction of the topic and the speaker.
2. Play the podcast ([Link to Podcast](https://schoolpulse.org/videos/watch/167/))
3. Let students take notes during the podcast.

**Objective 2:**
Discuss the main points from the article "How Can I Stop Overthinking".

- Duration: 20 minutes

**Activity:**

1. **Discussion on Overthinking (5 minutes)**
- Ask students to share their understanding of overthinking.
- Discuss how overthinking can be both negative and positive.

2. **Understanding Catastrophizing (5 minutes)**
- Use examples from the article to explain 'Catastrophizing'.
- Discuss the effects of catastrophizing on mental health.

3. **Steps to Counter Overthinking (10 minutes)**
- Discuss the steps mentioned in the article to combat overthinking.
- Recognize overthinking
- Shifting gears in the head
- Taking action
- Ask students to share personal experiences related to these steps and discuss how they can apply these strategies in their own lives.

**Wrap-up (5 minutes):**

Conclude the lesson by emphasizing the importance of positive thinking, self-care, and mental health. Encourage students to practice the methods discussed in the lesson to overcome overthinking and catastrophizing. Also, remind them to continue listening to positive, educational, and inspirational sources to foster a healthy mental environment.

**Homework:**

Ask the students to keep a journal for a week where they note down instances when they catch themselves overthinking. Ask them to also note down how they applied the strategies discussed in the class to handle such situations. This will be discussed in the next class.

**Materials Required:**
- Computer with internet connection
- Projector or Smart Board for playing the podcast
- Notebooks and pens for students to take notes

**Preparation:**
- Familiarize yourself with the podcast and article to facilitate the discussion.
- Prepare questions based on the content to engage students during the discussion.

Absolutely! Here is a simplified one-page handout of your insightful article, tailored to high school students:

Title: **How to Stop Overthinking**

*Overthinking: Is it always bad?*
- Overthinking can become negative when it leads to 'Catastrophizing', imagining the worst possible outcomes.
- It's common to get stuck in this negative overthinking, but remember, it doesn't have to be a bad thing.

**Steps to tackle overthinking:**

1. **Recognize Overthinking:**
- Ask yourself: Is this thought helpful or inspiring? Does it lead to solutions and action?
- If your thoughts leave you feeling discouraged instead of motivated, you're likely caught in a negative overthinking cycle.

2. **Shift Gears:**
- Imagine your brain like a car in neutral, revving the engine creates a lot of noise but you're not going anywhere.
- Recognize when your brain is in this state. The goal is to shift gears and move forward.

3. **Take Action:**
- The best way to combat overthinking is to do something that matches your highest values.
- Engage in activities that are fun, kind, intelligent, and adventurous.
- Don't let overthinking drive your decisions.

**Remember:**

- Your brain is wired to find danger to prepare and protect you, but don't let this keep you in a state of fear.
- You have unique skills and wisdom that contribute to the world.
- Start working on becoming your own motivational speaker. Keep your language with yourself inspiring, positive, and loving.
- Ask yourself better questions: What would be a fun thing to do? What is the smart thing to do? What is the kind thing to do?

**Takeaway: Small steps, small actions, and small shifts in your thinking can lead to awesome outcomes. It's time to shift gears and stop overthinking!**

*Have an awesome day!*

Absolutely, Iuri. Here's a multiple choice quiz based on your article "How can I stop overthinking".

Quiz:

1. What does it mean when someone is "catastrophizing"?
a. Overthinking positive outcomes
b. Jumping to the worst possible conclusion
c. Focusing on the present moment
d. Considering all possible scenarios

2. What is the first step to manage overthinking according to the article?
a. Stop thinking
b. Recognize you are overthinking
c. Try to think positively
d. Take immediate action

3. When I catch myself overthinking, what question should I ask myself?
a. Why am I like this?
b. Is this thinking helpful to me?
c. What will others think of me?
d. How can I stop my thoughts completely?

4. What is the second step to handle overthinking based on the article?
a. Ignore your thoughts
b. Shift the gears inside your head
c. Try to sleep it off
d. Argue with your thoughts

5. What does it mean to have your brain in "neutral"?
a. Being calm and relaxed
b. Having a lot of brain noise but no helpful movement
c. Focusing on one thing at a time
d. Not thinking about anything

6. How does the article suggest you shift gears in your head?
a. Fight your thoughts with more thoughts
b. Ignore your thoughts completely
c. Try to distract yourself
d. Take action that matches your highest values

7. What is the recommended response when you feel discouraged due to overthinking?
a. Try to suppress your feelings
b. Do something physically that is fun and intelligent
c. Try to think positively
d. Wait for the feeling to pass

8. Which of the following is NOT a recommended question to ask yourself when you catch yourself overthinking?
a. What is the kind thing to do?
b. What would be a fun thing to do?
c. Why am I such a failure?
d. What would be a smart thing to do here?

9. What is the purpose of asking yourself positive questions when overthinking?
a. To distract yourself from your thoughts
b. To suppress negative emotions
c. To shift your thinking and lead to better outcomes
d. To ignore the reality of the situation

10. What does the phrase "shift gears" metaphorically refer to in the article?
a. Changing your physical location
b. Changing your line of thought or perspective
c. Changing your actions or behavior
d. Changing your mood or emotions

Answer Key:

1. b. Jumping to the worst possible conclusion
2. b. Recognize you are overthinking
3. b. Is this thinking helpful to me?
4. b. Shift the gears inside your head
5. b. Having a lot of brain noise but no helpful movement
6. d. Take action that matches your highest values
7. b. Do something physically that is fun and intelligent
8. c. Why am I such a failure?
9. c. To shift your thinking and lead to better outcomes
10. b. Changing your line of thought or perspective

Hey there, you incredible human! I'm so thrilled you're here. Just by showing up, you're demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow, and let me tell you, that's everything! Your striving to nourish your mind with positive vibes and proactive strategies will give you a major leg up in school, relationships, work, and life in general. The key is to stay open, teachable and humble. Embrace the sources in your life that uplift you, inspire you, and help you grow while distancing yourself from negativity and disrespect.

Now, let's dive right into the big question of the day: "How can I stop overthinking?" First off, is overthinking really that awful? Sure, if you're always imagining the worst-case scenario and letting 'what ifs' hold you back, that's not great. That's called 'Catastrophizing' and it's a mental trap our brains love to fall into. It's like wearing a t-shirt that reads "hold on, let me overthink this."

But remember, just because you've had bumps in the past doesn't mean the future will be the same. That's called "generalizing" and it's another sneaky trick our brains like to play. So, how do we handle overthinking and catastrophizing? Here's a simple three-step strategy.

Step one: Recognize when you're overthinking. If you're stuck in your head, imagining all the ways things could go wrong and feeling paralyzed as a result, ask yourself: Is this thinking helpful? Does it inspire me? If the answer is no, congratulations! You've just caught your brain in the act of overthinking.

Step two: Shift your mental gears. When your brain gets stuck in overthinking mode, it's like revving a car that's in neutral. There's a lot of noise, but no movement. The key here isn't to out-think your overthinking. Instead, we move on to step three.

Step three: Take action! Do something that aligns with your values. As Tony Robbins once said, "the quickest way to shift the way you feel, is to physically do something!" Don't let your overthinking and fear drive your decisions.

We've all been there, wrestling with negative overthinking. It's part of how our brains are wired. But remember, you're not meant to live in fear. You're meant to live large, to seize the day, and to share your unique talents with the world. When you find yourself stuck in neutral, it's time to shift gears and do something that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit.

It's time to become your own motivational speaker. Remember, the words you tell yourself are the most important ones you'll hear all day. Keep them inspiring, positive, and loving. Ask yourself better questions like, "What would be a fun thing to do?" or "What would be a smart thing to do here?" or "What can I do that matches what I believe, and my best values?"

In conclusion, overthinking doesn't have to hold you back. Recognize it, shift your mental gears, and take positive action. You're capable of so much. So let's shift and make this an awesome day!

Sure, here's a summarized version in a TLDR format:

As a licensed therapist and expert in teenage mental health, I often get asked, "How can I stop overthinking?" Overthinking, particularly negative overthinking or 'catastrophizing,' can lead to feelings of discouragement or pessimism. Here are three steps to address it:

1. **Recognize** - Acknowledge when you're overthinking by asking "Is this thinking helpful or inspiring?" If it's not leading to solutions or makes you feel discouraged, you're caught in a negative overthinking storm.

2. **Shift Gears** - Imagine your brain like a car in neutral, making a lot of noise but not moving. The goal is to shift gears, not by overthinking your overthinking, but by changing your mental state.

3. **Take Action** - Do something physically that's in line with your values, something that's fun, good, adventurous, etc. This physical action is the quickest way to shift your mental state.

Remember, everyone battles negative overthinking at some point. It's essential to keep your self-talk inspiring, motivational, and positive. Small shifts in thinking can lead to awesome outcomes. So, let's shift and have an awesome day!

Sure, here's the information you requested in HTML format: ```html

Dear Students,

I highly encourage each one of you to read the insightful article titled "How can I stop overthinking" written by our very own Mr. Iuri Melo. This piece will provide you with valuable strategies to help manage overthinking and improve mental health. Please take notes on the key points as you read. The article can be found here.

Furthermore, to expand your understanding and perspectives on this topic, I recommend the following articles:

• "How to Stop Overthinking" - Verywell Mind
• "10 Signs You're Overthinking" - Psychology Today
• "How to Help Your Child Stop Overthinking Things" - Understood.org
• "Overthinking Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and More" - Healthline
• "How to Stop Overthinking" - Teen Vogue

These articles provide valuable advice and strategies from mental health professionals and are specifically designed to be appropriate for readers aged 13-18. Please take some time to read through these materials and remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it.

Best,

[Your Name]

``` Please replace "[Your Name]" with your actual name in the closing.

Sure, here are three activities based on your article:

1. Activity One: "Identifying Negative Thoughts"
Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts. Write down a list of your most recurring worries or fears. Then ask yourself the two questions from the article: Is this thinking helpful to me? Does it inspire me? Write down your responses. Finally, identify one action you can take to shift away from this negative overthinking. Spend 5-7 minutes on this activity.

2. Activity Two: "Shifting Gears"
Now, imagine your mind as a car stuck in neutral, revving but not moving. Visualize shifting those gears and moving forward. Write down a list of good, intelligent, fun, kind, and adventurous things you can do that align with your highest values. These are your 'gear shift' actions. When you find yourself overthinking, you can choose an action from this list. Take about 5-7 minutes to complete this activity.

3. Activity Three: "Becoming Your Own Motivational Speaker"
Spend some time writing a motivational speech for yourself. Use positive, inspirational, and motivational language. Include phrases that help you feel better about yourself and your future. Remember, the goal is to inspire and motivate yourself, not to criticize or put yourself down. This activity should take about 5-7 minutes.

Remember, these activities are designed to help you confront and manage overthinking. They aren't meant to be exhaustive solutions but starting points towards a healthier mindset.

Absolutely, here is a group activity based on your article:

Activity Title: "Overcoming Overthinking: Recognize, Shift, and Act"

1. Begin the activity by saying, "Today, we're going to learn about overthinking. We all do it sometimes, but it's important to learn how to manage it so it doesn't paralyze us or fill us with doubt and discouragement. Our discussion is based on an article written by Iuri Melo, a Licensed Therapist and Co-founder of Schoolpulse. He shares his insights on how to handle overthinking."

2. "Now, let's split into groups of 3 or 4. Each group should have a piece of paper and a pen. I want us to first discuss and write down instances where we've found ourselves overthinking. Share your experiences and try to identify the triggers and patterns."

3. "Next, let's talk about recognizing overthinking. Iuri suggests we ask ourselves two questions: 'Is this helpful?' and 'Does it inspire me?' Discuss these questions within your group and write down your thoughts."

4. "Now that we've recognized overthinking, let's move on to shifting gears. Imagine your brain is a car stuck in neutral, revving but not going anywhere. What can we do to shift gears? Discuss and write down some ideas."

5. "Finally, let's talk about taking action. When we're stuck in negative overthinking, Iuri suggests doing something physical, something that matches our highest values. What might those actions look like for each of you? Discuss and write down some ideas."

6. "Great! Now that we have these ideas, let's create a 'Stop Overthinking' action plan for each person in your group. You can use the ideas you've brainstormed to help each other come up with a personalized plan. Remember, the goal is to go into this world with confidence!"

7. "Let's wrap up the activity by sharing some of our action plans and thoughts with the entire class. Who would like to go first?"

8. "Thank you for participating in this activity. Remember, overthinking is something we all do, but we have the power to recognize it, shift gears, and take action. Keep practicing these steps and see how it can change your perspective and improve your mental well-being."

Note: As a teacher, make sure to facilitate the discussion and guide the students through the process, providing examples and advice when needed. Always validate their experiences and thoughts, promoting a safe and open environment for them to express themselves.

Activity: "The Overthinking Game - Recognize, Shift, and Act"

This activity aims to help students and their families understand and manage overthinking. It uses the principles outlined in the "How can I stop overthinking" article, turning them into a fun and engaging game that encourages positive thinking and action-taking.

Materials: Paper, pen, timer

1. Gather your family members around the table or in a comfortable space. Explain to them the purpose of this activity, which is to understand and manage overthinking.

2. Begin by discussing what overthinking means. Go around the table and have everyone share a time when they felt they were overthinking a situation. This will help everyone understand that overthinking is a common experience.

3. Next, introduce the three steps to manage overthinking: Recognize, Shift, and Act. Explain each step as follows:

- Recognize: Identifying when we're overthinking. It's understanding when our thoughts are not helpful or inspiring but are instead causing us to feel stuck or anxious.

- Shift: Changing our thinking pattern. Instead of staying stuck in negative thoughts, we try to shift our focus to something more positive.

- Act: Taking action. Instead of letting our thoughts paralyze us, we do something positive and productive.

4. Now, let's start the game. Each person will take turns sharing a scenario where they tend to overthink. This could be something like a school project, a social situation, or a future event. The rest of the family will then help the person Recognize, Shift, and Act.

- Recognize: Is the person overthinking this situation? Are their thoughts helpful or inspiring, or are they causing stress and anxiety?

- Shift: How can the person shift their thinking? What positive thoughts can they focus on instead?

- Act: What action can the person take? What's a positive, productive step they can make right now?

5. Spend about 5-7 minutes on each scenario. The goal is to practice these steps and to help each other understand how to apply them in real-life situations.

6. Once everyone has had a turn, spend a couple of minutes reflecting on the activity. What did everyone learn? How can they apply these steps in their everyday life?

7. Finally, commit to applying these steps over the next week. Each person can choose one action they'll take to manage their overthinking. Write these down and place them somewhere visible as a reminder.

Remember, it's okay if you don't get it all right at first. What's important is that you're trying and learning. Over time, you'll get better at managing your overthinking. And always remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here to support each other.