Overthinking involves thinking too much or analyzing all the things that you totally have no control over. While it's clearly beneficial to think things through, this can easily become toxic when we replay the same problem over and over again, unproductively. This can then lead to regrets, self blaming and an inability to move on - (analysis paralysis.)
When overthinking, you create a million scenarios in your mind, starting from a simple thought, and in this tornado, it's easy to get plagued with negative emotions. As most overthinkers, you're worried about the future and forget to live in the present. But why do some people overthink, while it seems like other people underthink (wait, is that a thing?)
Why do we overthink?
Overthinking is a response to our primitive response to stay alert and safe. But this is closely related to another factor - Past Trauma. Overthinking can happen to anyone but those who have experienced trauma can be especially vulnerable.
But what about personality traits? Is it associated with certain people, regardless of past events? Dr Sherman, a lead psychologist, seems to think so.
"When people are perfectionists they can ruminate about a mistake they made or may make." Dr. Sherman.
Life in itself can be difficult. Why do we make it harder by thinking about things that probably don't matter?
I personally think that it is because overthinking gives a false sense of control , and can be its own form of procrastination. It can be addictive even when we actually do want it to stop.
You wanna stop overthinking?
Personally, I am an over thinker and I have struggled with this for the better part of my life. Although I'm not yet there, I'm slowly but surely getting there. During my extensive research on this topic, I came across different hacks - meditation, talking to a friend, self affirmation and trying to think positive. All of which work.
But in my experience, what has helped me is to disengage. And I mean that in my physical terms.
Spending time outdoors is a huge one.
There's something about not being too inside-my-own-head by not literally being inside a building as well. It's less Claustrophobic.
But only after writing a list of these bothersome thoughts, especially the most recurring ones, can I disengage myself to some degree.
What are these thoughts?
Which ones can I do something about?
Which needs to be left alone as nothing really can be done?
Maybe there's some comfort to be found in the fact that no matter how much we think through a thing, there still can be loopholes we'll miss.
And I still don't have a full grasp on everything. But it's definitely a start.
Like trying to not overthink if this article has perfectly articulated my thoughts.
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