We all overthink at one or the other point in our lives

We may overthink about a relationship which doesn’t need over thinking at all, because it is perfect the way it has to go at that time

We may overthink about a job that we rejected, yet we think about the reasons the pros and cons of doing that

We may overthink about not having a job and how would the problem get solved

We may overthink about our future, on which we don’t have any control

We may overthink about our past and feel sad, angry, disheartened about it

We may overthink if our lover doesn’t pick up the call

We may overthink if our lover is really busy in some work and yet somehow we can manage taking out time from our work schedule

We may overthink on a small matter of why someone is staring me on the road

We may overthink about how serious is the current relationship we have with our lover

We may overthink about what he/she does for his/her career, his/her job or if he/she finds and takes the job outside the country you are staying

We may overthink about why he/she isn’t telling you something that had bothered him/her and had suffered a lot

We may overthink about why the family isn’t the way it’s supposed to be

What overthinking does??

Our brain is a very complex organ in our entire body. It sends signals and co-ordinates between the daily functions of the body. Now when one overthinks, the person is in tension and all the mechanisms for acting in a tensed situation are activated. Once they are activated, the brain, blood, heart and all our senses start functioning faster and more than normal load is taken. This should be there for only a limited period of time and it needs time to get back to normal functioning. If you keep overthinking, the system will always be activated and will consume more of your energy and will drain your body as it is not functioned to always stay in tension and stress. When you calm down, your body reacts in terms of physical symptoms like headache or acidity or weakness or irritation over small matters.

What to do to stop it??

    When extra thoughts strike the mind, sit calmly in a comfortable corner, take a journal and start writing those thoughts as and when and in whatever form they occur. When done writing everything that was occurring inside, read what you have written and think about it from every point of view….what was the matter, what had exactly happened, why did it happen, what did you feel, what must have the opposite person felt about it, what could have been done, what can be done, can I do anything to change it, is it in my control, etc. This will give you a clear picture as to what was it all about.

    Engage in self-talking, Yes, it does sound stupid, but it helps. Many times when we talk it out, we just realise that what we are over thinking about isn’t worth that much thinking and the solution may be lies in some simple thinking

    Stay busy. Engage in a hobby or an activity you would love to do even after studying or working all day, it should be something soothing and something which can ease you. If you don’t have hobby, start searching for one on basis of what things are interesting to you and what things are not and stay busy. This doesn’t let you over think as your mind is occupied.

     Exercise. Studies have proved that physical activity helps a person to stay mentally as well as physically fit. Go for a brisk walk in a near-by garden/park, cycle if you like that, do power yoga if that helps you, run/jog. Basically keep your body moving.

     Read. Reading about anything you like makes you stay focused on the content not letting you wander into any excessive thoughts. Also reading news or anything related to what keeps on bothering you and gaining information in that particular area can also calm you.

      Knowledge and understanding. When you cannot stop thinking about anything that bothers you too much, talk with friends or anyone close to you in family; if necessary a therapist can be of a perfect help. It’s completely normal and fine to have a talk with a professional who is qualified to help you out rather than suffering.