It’s common to overthink things going on in your life. For example, you may wonder about a conversation or mull over a problem at work that hasn’t resolved itself. But if you obsess to the point of overthinking things, it can be unhealthy. This ruminating won’t solve a problem but stirs up worry, so you feel insecure about your life. Whatever you’re finding hard to let go of right now, here are eight steps to help you stop overthinking.
When you overthink, your mind goes on overdrive. You may go over the same situations or conversation repeatedly, analyzing and evaluating what you said and did. It can be compulsive for some people. Overthinking is different than brainstorming or problem-solving. When you overthink, it can make you feel paralyzed and rarely leads to action. Obvious solutions get pushed aside as you think about all the possibilities without ever resolving anything. It steals your confidence causing you stress and anxiety.
What are the signs you’re overthinking?
If you wonder whether you overthink things, here are some signs you’re overthinking things in your life.
You can’t stop worrying You keep reminding yourself about your mistakes Worrying about things you can’t control. You relive your embarrassing moments repeatedly. When you think about people, you think about things you wish you hadn’t said to them. You struggle with insomnia because you’re thinking too much You spend time thinking about what someone meant when they said that to you When someone makes a comment you don’t like, you mull over it repeatedly You spend time thinking about your past, worrying about what will happen in the future
Psychologists Explain Eight Habits to Stop Overthinking
If the signs of an overthinker point to you, here are eight steps to stop overthinking.
1. Get comfortable with the negative stuff in life
Life is full of adverse situations. You get sick, deal with unkind co-workers, or feel discouraged about your finances. Being comfortable with the negative things in your life can help you stop overthinking. Interestingly, studies show that individuals who accept the negativity have more excellent psychological health. They’re better able to respond to stress.
It’s important to understand there isn’t a solution for every problem you’ll have in life. Your life may be full of mystery and unanswered questions. Mulling over what you should have done or said only leads to stress. When you face a negative situation, try to do these things:
Accept it as a negative: Don’t try to be overly optimistic about a negative situation. That feels fake. It’s a negative part of life, and that’s okay.
Express your feelings: When faced with negative things, express your fear, doubt, confusion, or sadness. Don’t put on a happy face.
Control is overrated: Many things in life will be out of your control. That’s okay.
Solve what you can: If there is something within your power to solve, do it. Otherwise, let go of it.
Tall your mind to stop: Talk to yourself. Tell yourself to stop overthinking. Don’t let negative thoughts control you, causing you to slip into overthinking.
2. Avoid rehearsing your conversations
Overthinking is often rehashing old conversations. You may think about a conversation you had years ago, rethinking what you said …
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