Overthinking is a phase that comes in everyone’s life from time to time, but a barrage of thoughts constantly plagues some people. Chronically overthinkers rehash yesterday’s conversations, question every decision they make, and imagine dire consequences all day, every day.
When we think too much about something, we often come up with devastating images, not just words. Their minds are like watching a movie, imagining their car going off the road, or repeating disturbing events repeatedly.
What is overthinking
Overthinking — also known as rumination — is thinking about the same idea or situation over and over until it gets in the way of your life. Overthinking usually follows him into two categories. Looking back on the past or worrying about the future.
Suffering from overthinking can leave you “stuck” or unable to do anything. It can be difficult to get thoughts out of your head or focus on other things. Thinking too much can actually make things worse. “The hallmark of overthinking is that it’s counterproductive,” says Jessica Foley, a licensed psychotherapist in Waltham, Massachusetts. You may be sleep deprived.”
Overthinking is not the same as feeling stressed or worrying about a particular situation. Thinking too much about a stressful situation for a short period of time can prompt you to take action. For example, if you’re nervous about an important work presentation, that stress can help you take action. They work hard on their projects and leave a little early so they can work on time.
4 Ways to deal with overthinking
Here is what you can do to stop overthinking.
Know the thoughts which trigger overthinking
Negative and destructive thought patterns come in many forms, some worse than others. These thought patterns tend to surface during times of stress or conflict and contribute to the negative effects of overthinking. The two most common patterns are rumination and constant worry.
Rumination means a single thought, or related sad or dark thoughts running through your head. This is common among perfectionists and can contribute to depression and alienate others.
Don’t think about past
Overthinkers often focus on the past and focus their energies on what ifs and whats. Those who know how not to think too much know that the past is just that. Cannot be changed. The only thing you can change is the meaning you give it.
Letting go of the past means that your future decisions will not be dictated by your mistakes, or your emotions will be dictated by your bad deeds. You forgive others and let go of your anger. This is one of the most important ways you can change your story.
Control your emotions
Living in the present doesn’t mean burying negative emotions. To control your emotions, you must acknowledge them and identify their causes. If you feel insecure, dig deeper. Often it is to face a greater fear. B. Feeling out of control or not growing the way you want to. Once you recognize the causes of overthinking, you can take steps to stop it before it starts.
Journaling
When our brain determines that we are in a collision or in danger, a built-in alert system kicks in to protect us. One thing I’ve had success with is writing down my feelings and waiting at least 24 hours (or a few hours if it’s an emergency) before responding or taking impulsive action. Then I work on that draft while I’m distracted by another task. Instead of keeping your thoughts in your head, write them down in a journal or create a “thought bottle” where you can post your thoughts. That way you don’t have to hold them tightly.
