Stop Overthinking
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Are you an overthinker? Fun fact, I was… well am. I’m working on it. Stopping it is easier said than done, though.
Overthinking is that weird phenomena where you constantly think over some idea with the hope and intention of learning something new, only to realize that the more you learn the more you probably still don’t know enough.
This generally leads to inaction. It’s a vicious cycle.
Why do we overthink?
I honestly don’t know. I’m sure there’s some biological reasoning, right? It probably has something to do with us humans creating a learning model so that we can attempt to make probable decisions faster based on information we’ve received previously.
We can use this model to help in times of crisis (i.e. tiger/lion coming to eat us in our hunter/gatherer phase). Or, we can use that learning model to help make future decisions.
Either way, you’ll notice that overthinking happens in response to fear or anxiety. And before you go thinking they’re one and the same, they are not.
You see, fear is generally a response to something that is happening to us right now, or at least very soon. Whereas, anxiety is a response to something that may have happen to us in the future.
So we’re stuck in this coping mechanism loop of fear, worry, stress, and anxiety.
Now don’t get me wrong, reflection and perspective on things of the past or preparing for the future can be helpful and I think is generally healthy.
But the chronic stress of overthinking takes a toll on our peace of mind, our relationships, and our overall quality of life.
So how have I worked on this?
Writing/Journaling
If you’re familiar with any of my work, then you know how much I value writing my thoughts down. When you give yourself the permission and the space to express how you’re feeling, you’ll gain clarity on what’s truly bothering you.
It’s an opportunity to calm your mind and put all your fears, thoughts, anxieties, and questions down on paper. And I generally like actually writing, not just digitally typing, The physical act of writing is also something that helps expel some of that energy.
Walking
Much like writing allows the mind to take a moment and slow down a bit, physically moving my body allows the same kind of moment to breathe and slow the thoughts.
Regular physical exercise has been shown to help with stress, improves your mood, and this can help you reduce the amount of overthinking you’re doing.
Mindfulness Practice
This one took me a while to implement because I’d always considered mindfulness practices almost a shaman like, “woo woo” idea (I know I know…I was immature).
But when you realize that mindfulness is a technique that allows you to be aware of your thoughts, let yourself feel them, and then let them pass, it’s life changing.
Most thoughts themselves are generally neither good or bad, it’s our perception of them that changes the influence. So, if we can allow ourselves a safe space to simply feel them, they hold less power over us.
Seek Professional Help
Now, I’ve not had to implement this particular step, but I felt I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t at least bring it up. Sometimes, we can’t do it by ourselves, and that is okay.
If overthinking has too much of a grasp on you, then consult with a mental health professional or even your primary care physician. Seeking help is not a bad thing, and you shouldn’t feel weak or shamed by doing so. In fact, I’m even prouder of you if you did.
