Overthinking could be more than a habit.

Overthinking is my brain’s way of challenging itself into a run for its money kind of a competition. I sometimes wonder how wonderful it would be if sleep came to me as naturally as overthinking did. If it annoys you to the core, you have found someone who completely understands how it feels, that person is ME!!

Analyzing a problem is one thing and letting ten other problems spring up through that problem is what overthinking can lead too!! Thinking about something that goes around endlessly, like a merry go round can be daunting. Overthinking can really impact your mental health in more ways than one.

We all overthink at some point or the other however chronic thinkers tend to spend most of their productive time thinking about things that are not even vital. Overthinking can take many forms: endlessly deliberating when making a decision (and then questioning the decision), attempting to read minds, trying to predict the future, reading into the smallest of details, etc.

There could be various reasons why one overthinks, some of these are

• Worry about the future
• Worry what others would think about them.
• Worry about “what ifs and should”
• Worry about people’s feelings and place their own feelings secondary to others.

Overthinking can trap the brain in a worry cycle. When ruminating become as natural as breathing, you need to quickly deal with it and find a solution to it. It is not a habit that cannot be broken. This is something you can try before it leads to severe anxiety, stress and depression.

Replace your thoughts – When you tell yourself not to have a certain thought, the thought will soon grow double its size as if a magical potion was sprayed on it. You need to tell/teach yourself to instead replace your thoughts. Talk yourself out of it by noticing when you’re stuck in your head.

Alternatives – When you begin fretting over a situation, your thoughts naturally incline towards the negative. Gather all your valor and try and push the thoughts towards the positive. Think of optimistic alternatives to the situation which will help you create a psychosomatic distance from your negative thoughts.

Meditate – I have been practicing yoga and meditation for a while now. I have had moments where I have spoken to myself while meditating, asking myself to focus on what I hear, feel or see. This helps me divert my mind to something better and interesting.

If you constantly worry about something or the other without the problem actually existing in totality, then you need to ask yourself questions about the situation. You need to become self-aware and handle the bull by its horns. It does take practice however with time you will be able to snap out of it soon. An over active mind can impact your productivity in various aspects of life. If you feel disconnected from yourself and people around you, if you feel changes in your health, you should definitely seek professional help.