Whether they beat themselves up over a mistake they made yesterday or fret about how they are going to succeed tomorrow, overthinkers are overwhelmed by disturbing and troubling thoughts. Their inability to get out of their own heads leaves them in a state of constant suffering.
What is Overthinking?
While everyone overthinks things once in a while, some people just cannot ever seem to quiet the constant barrage of thoughts. Their inner monologue includes two destructive thought patterns – ruminating and worrying. Ruminating involves rehashing the past, while worrying involves negative predictions about the future.
Consequences of Overthinking
Thinking too much about things is not just a nuisance. It can take a serious toll on your well-being. Research finds that dwelling on your shortcomings, mistakes, and problems increases your risk of mental health problems. As your mental health declines, your tendency to ruminate increases, leading to a vicious cycle that is hard to break. Studies also show that overthinking leads to serious emotional distress. To escape that distress, many overthinkers resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as alcohol and binging.
How to Deal with Overthinking
Some effective strategies to reduce overthinking include –
- Doing whatever it takes to get out of your head. You can take a walk out in nature, cook, paint, or partake in an activity that does not require much thinking.
- Practice mindfulness techniques that will help reframe your belief that your thoughts are only thoughts, not facts.
- Writing down your thoughts and worries is better than keeping them in.
Paying attention to the way you think can help you become more aware of your bad mental habits. With practice, you can train your brain to think differently. Over time, building healthier habits will help you build the mental muscle you need to become mentally stronger.