Am I Overthinking?
If it’s a true statement that, ‘words are powerful’ then what about our thoughts? They can be just as powerful if not worse because we can’t always shut them off ~ we’re too busy overthinking.
"Why don't you pick?" ~ This simple phrase can be not just helpful, but soul saving for an over-thinker. Our minds start racing, scrolling through our mental index then the really overthinking starts… Where would you like to go, did you pick that place because you thought I wanted to go there or do you really want to go there and it doesn’t stop even after a decision is made. But we will rejoice when someone makes the final call over simple lunch plans.
‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.’ Yet an over-thinker cannot let anything go. That's because we're convinced that if we just run over the details a few more times, we’ll finally uncover some new understanding of the situation, or it will somehow change the outcome ~ but it won’t because we can’t change what has already happened.
That brings us to modern technology. Which for an overthinker, it can be way too information overloading for an already overthinking mind. Basically, when it comes to social media, it’s our mood at the time we’re reading that determines how we receive, process and store the information as it enters our overthinking minds. It’s best if you are already overthinking to steer clear of social media ~ is not an overthinkers friend 😊
As an overthinker, we are not insecure control freaks, we just think ~ a lot. I mean you don’t have to call us back right away when you’re out, but just know that our mind is playing out a bunch of horrible scenarios in which you’ve cheated. Or died. That’s right, if we reach your voicemail, we can’t help but consider that you might not be alive.
You might be an overthinker if…
o You relive embarrassing moments in your head repeatedly.
o You have trouble sleeping because it feels like your brain won't shut off.
o You ask yourself a lot of "what if..." questions.
o You spend a lot of time thinking about the hidden meaning in things people say or events that happen.
o You rehash conversations you had with people in your mind and think about all the things you wished you had or hadn't said.
o You constantly relive your mistakes.
o When someone says or acts in a way you don't like, you keep replaying it in your mind.
o Sometimes you’re not aware of what's going on around you because you’re dwelling on things that happened in the past or worrying about things that might happen in the future.
o You spend a lot of time worrying about things you have no control over.
o You can't take your mind off my worries.
Some steps to help overthinking:
Letting go of the past, worries of the future and obsessing over thing we have no control over are the most difficult thigs for an overthinker. And because we can’t change our overthinking process instantly, we often can’t find it hard to take and follow through with the steps that could help us. The way we respond to our thoughts can sometimes keep us in a cycle of repetitive thinking which can often lead to negative consequences for our mental health. The next time we find ourselves continuously running things over in our mind, take note of how it affects your mood, write it down. Sometimes seeing our thoughts in writing can help us see the picture much clearer than when the words are just rolling around in our minds. Having self-awareness is key to changing our mindset.
Helping others ease their load can help you put things in perspective. Think of ways you can help someone, maybe going through a tough time, needing a hand, could just use a break or just have some company. Realizing you have the power to make someone’s day better can keep negative thoughts from taking over. Sometimes it can be as simple as opening a door or smiling and saying hello 😊
It can be helpful to find something you enjoy such as reading or puzzles. Try a new hobby, drawing, painting, making jewelry, wood working or giving broken items some love. Try and start with a child’s mindset ~ you don’t have to be good at, you just have to try and work at it ~ the idea is to not give up and have fun. Start moving ~ walking, yoga, meditation (15 to 30 minutes is all you need) Yard work and pulling weeds are a good way to help ease your overthinking mind. Also, simply listening to the radio and singing the words to the song will work. too 😊
Breathing exercises 3 times a day for 5 minutes:
o Find a comfortable place to sit and relax your neck and shoulders.
o Place one hand over your heart and the other across your belly.
o Inhale and exhale through your nose, all the way in and out until your lungs are empty, pay attention to how your chest and stomach move as you breathe.😊
We spend most a lot of time inside our heads ~ let’s make it a nice place to be 😊
Peace & Love