Can't Sleep? This 2-Minute Technique Calms Racing Thoughts

If you've ever stared at the ceiling at 2 a.m. while your brain replays every embarrassing moment since middle school, this simple trick might change your nights.

The Infinity Tracing Technique is gaining attention from therapists and sleep experts as a surprisingly effective way to calm racing thoughts. All you do is extend your finger in the air and slowly trace the infinity symbol (a sideways figure eight) while following the movement with your eyes for a couple of minutes.

Dr. Joe Whittington broke down the science behind it in a viral TikTok video. "What this does is it activates your vestibular center, which is involved with your balance and eye movements," he explains. "When your vestibular system gets activated, it can help calm racing thoughts. Sort of like distracting a toddler with a shiny object, except the toddler is your overactive brain."

The technique draws from principles used in EMDR therapy, a treatment that helps people process trauma through guided eye movements. While EMDR requires a trained therapist, the Infinity Tracing Technique offers a simplified version anyone can try at home.

Therapist Sarah Jackson adds another layer to why it works. Eye muscles connect directly to the brainstem, the part of your brain that controls survival functions. "Tracking a moving object sends rhythmic signals, saying: I'm balanced, I'm oriented, I'm safe," she explains.

The cross-lateral movement of tracing the infinity symbol also integrates both brain hemispheres, which helps with emotional processing. Instead of staying trapped in anxious internal thoughts, your brain shifts focus to the external, grounding motion in front of you.

Why This Inspires

What makes this technique so compelling is its accessibility. No apps, no special equipment, no prescription needed. Just your finger, your eyes, and two minutes of your time.

People who've tried it report genuine relief. One Instagram commenter shared, "This is great and so effective! I'm always looking for quick wins like this on those days where you can't tell where the time goes." Others appreciate having a tool they can use anytime anxiety strikes, whether at bedtime or during stressful moments throughout the day.

The technique works for basic relaxation too, not just sleep. Therapists are sharing it with clients who struggle with overthinking, anxiety, and difficulty calming down after stressful events.

Sometimes the most powerful solutions are the simplest ones, and on those nights when sleep feels impossible, a little figure eight in the air might be exactly what your brain needs.