Ever found yourself replaying a conversation from three days ago and wondering if you offended someone inadvertently by saying "thanks" rather than "thank you"? This is the world of overthinking, where everyday moments become psychological dramas in the brain.
Overthinking, an annoying habit in itself, can wreak havoc on your mental health, from anxiety and stress to sleep deprivation. But all is not lost! If the thought process creates a never-ending loop of "what ifs" in your head, here is how to come out of this.
What Is Overthinking?
Overthinking, or rumination, is the tendency to dwell too much on the past or worry endlessly about the future. Rather than making a decision, an overthinker becomes stuck in an endless cycle of self-doubt and "What could go wrong?" scenarios.
Signs You’re an Overthinker
- You spend hours analysing what you should have said in a conversation.
- Making decisions feels like solving a quantum physics equation.
- You struggle to fall asleep because your brain has a playlist of embarrassing moments on repeat.
- You turn simple texts into cryptic puzzles (“What did they mean by that emoji?!”).
- You second-guess even the tiniest choices, like what sandwich to order.
Why Overthinking Is Bad for You
• Increases Anxiety—Constant worrying triggers stress hormones, leaving you on edge.
• Paralyses Decision-Making – You spend so much time weighing options that you never actually choose one.
• Ruins Sleep—A racing mind isn’t great for drifting off into dreamland.
• Zaps Productivity—Instead of acting, you spend time thinking about acting.
How to Stop Overthinking
- Set a “Thinking Time Limit”—give” yourself 5 minutes to analyse a problem. After that, move on.
- Write It Down—Getting thoughts on paper helps clear mental clutter.
- Ask Yourself: Will This Matter in a Year? Most worries don’t have long-term consequences.
Engage in a Distraction Activity—exercise, listen to music, or try a hobby to shift your focus.
5. Challenge Your Thoughts—Would you give a friend the same harsh criticism you give yourself? Probably not.
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