What is overthinking and how to overcome it!

Kaajal Gunputh Kaajal Gunputh Nov 6, 2018 1064 0

What is overthinking and how to overcome it!

What is overthinking and how to overcome it!

Overthinking is exactly what the word itself says- its thinking too much

If you find yourself thinking too much about something instead of taking actions, it means you are overthinking. Analyzing, commenting and repeating the same thoughts again and again is overthinking.
This habit is common in many people and often consumes your energy, makes you unable to take decisions and makes you enter a vicious cycle of thinking and thinking over and over again. This kind of thinking prevents you from progressing and moving on. It can be described as tying yourself to a rope which is in turn tied to a pole, and you are going in circles around the pole.

Overthinking usually results in worry, anxiety and lack of inner peace, whereas people who do not overthink tend to be more efficient, happy and peaceful.

Here are 7 ways to stop yourself from overthinking

  1. Don’t suppress your thoughts
    Thought suppression is actually counterproductive. It’s not abnormal to have thoughts enter your mind, its totally normal so do not suppress them.  The more you suppress them, the more they will rebel. Instead welcome them but for a short period of time.
     
  2. Be an observer
    Do you know that rumination that is dwelling on past things is the primary cause of anxiety? Well, one tactic is to be an observer and observe your thoughts, the moment you realise your mind is not in the present moment, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the present.
     
  3. Distract yourself
    Distract yourself from stressful thoughts, try focusing on something positive or think about something that makes you happy. If you can’t, then take a break, have a small walk, read something else or change your activity.
     
  4. Set Reminders
    Lets admit it, controlling the overthinking habit can be a hard task. Set reminders to facilitate your task. You could opt for small sticky notes on your work desk reading, “where’s your mind” or “Be an observer”. If you are someone who works mostly on a computer, you could opt for on screen sticky notes or schedule reminders of your calendar reading for e.g “here and now!” when you practice this for few weeks, you will definitely see a change.
     
  5. Don’t focus on being perfect
    Many of us may think that being a perfectionist would be so great. Do you know that perfectionists have a higher probability of anxiety?
    Pay more attention to the process rather than the outcome. Just do your best throughout it, the outcome will be the best possible without you worrying about it.
     
  6. Meditate
    Meditation will help you stay in the present moment and at the same time calm your mind. The combined results will yield into less overthinking. You will learn how to focus on the present by paying full attention to your breath. Yes, at first it will seem difficult, but with practice you will love doing it.
     
  7. Be grateful
    Regret and gratefulness do not go together. Each morning be grateful for the gift of life, for the people surrounding you, for your health and body. You may also keep a journal, where you can note down one good thing about each day spent. This will teach you how to appreciate life as it is.



Overthinking is something that can happen to anyone-so do not overthink about it! If you learn how to manage it, you acn beat anxiety, fear, depression
and become more efficient, productive, calm and happy!

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