People do overthink certain things before making decisions. But for some people, overthinking becomes a habit which leads to plenty of health hazards. Overthinking doesn’t just limit to having repetitive thoughts, it can also trigger harsh images in one’s mind, leading one to endure anxiety as well. Well, don’t worry; there is always a way out. In this article, we will look at the causes, signs and how to stop overthinking before it gets severe.
Overthinking Signs
Now how will you know whether your constant thoughts are actually you overthinking them? It can also be just a normal thought process right? If you’re wondering whether you’re really overthinking 24/7, here are some simple signs to watch out:
- You will find it hard to think about something else while you’re particularly worried about a cause.
- You will find it difficult to sit back and relax.
- You will be feeling super anxious.
- You will feel exhausted and mentally tired.
- You will endure extreme negative thoughts.
- Things will feel out of control.
- You can encounter trouble sleeping.
- You will unnecessarily think of your life’s hard times while overthinking, making your thoughts even worse.
- You might experience headaches and migraines.
- You will start forgetting events and important info.
- You will become unaware of your surroundings.
Causes of Overthinking
While overthinking might sound like an issue linked to one’s thoughts, it can actually be associated with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental disorders. According to a study done by the University of Michigan, it is proven that over 73% of people who are between 25 and 35 are prone to overthinking. Such a huge number pops up due to various circumstances. Hence, the causes of overthinking aren’t just limited to one’s thoughts, but they can be way too diverse to comprehend.
That said, let us look at how to stop overthinking with simple and effective steps.
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6 Steps to Stop Overthinking in No Time
Become Aware Whenever You Overthink
We might never even know when we’re overthinking or when we’re lost in our thoughts. Whenever you find yourself thinking about a particular thing for a long time, try becoming aware of that situation. This will help you snap back to reality and understand that you’ve been stuck in your head about that particular issue for a long time. This will allow you to think about it clearly rather than getting sidetracked.
Try to Distract Yourself
An immediate solution to stopping overthinking is to distract your mind. Whenever you find yourself fixed on a thought, try to get up and do some activity to shake those thoughts away. You can even go out for a walk, sip a beverage, sing a song, or call a friend. Whatever it is, distracting yourself will help you avoid wasting time thinking about something that will not benefit you.
Rethink Your Negative Thoughts
Imagine you have a project deadline and you still have two days to finish it. If you find yourself overthinking how to execute the project, you’ll actually miss out on time. Next, when you think about the possible hazards, such as getting fired for not turning on the project on time, step back and think whether that really will be the output. Will you really get fired, or is it just a huge exaggeration? Once you rethink your negative thoughts, you can analyze and challenge your mind’s exaggeration.
Build a Hobby
Trying a new hobby and increasing your skillset can majorly benefit your mind. When you’re occupied with a certain activity, you won’t have time to worry and stress over an event. Moreover, keeping yourself hooked on an activity will refresh your memory power as well. This will not only improve your skill set but will also get you back on track and keep your mind steady.
Sleep Well
Our brain tends to keep us active if it doesn’t get its required rest. We understand that for a person who overthinks, sleeping can be a struggle. To get a good night’s sleep, try breathing exercises, reading a book, or changing bad sleeping habits. When you sleep well and give your brain a good break, it will help you think consciously, as you’ll be feeling refreshed and ready to make decisions.
Visit a Therapist
If you’ve been following the above steps and still find it hard to stop overthinking, then it is high time you seek the help of a professional therapist. They will assess you and find the root of your overthinking process. Then they can fix therapy methods for you to use and get rid of overthinking.
Final Thoughts
Almost all of us have overthought at some point in our lives. But only a few of us figure out that it has side effects, so it needs to be stopped. If you’ve been struggling with overthinking, or if you know of someone who has, immediately start practicing these steps, so you’ll stay away from becoming prey to a mental disorder.