5 Ways to Overcome Overthinking and Its Characteristics
Monday 9 January 2023
Overthinking is actually common and can be experienced by anyone. People with this mindset often think about things excessively and are usually triggered by anxiety or lack of confidence.
People who are overthinking will definitely continue to worry because they are always thinking about finding answers to all the questions they think about. In fact, conditions like this can increase the risk of developing mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders.
Characteristics of Experiencing Overthinking
As previously explained, overthinking is a condition that can happen to anyone and usually the sufferer is not aware of it. So, here are the characteristics of overthinking:
- Thinking about something repeatedly and excessively
One of the characteristics of overthinking is overthinking everything excessively and repeatedly. In fact, this can make it difficult for you to concentrate and focus on activities.
- Spending a lot of time thinking about unimportant things
Thinking about problems or mistakes is actually okay, because not infrequently this can help you find ways to solve problems and become better.
However, the mind of someone who is overthinking actually does not lead to problem solving, but tends to focus on the causes of problems and assumptions if you don't do this, even embarrassing consequences that may not necessarily occur.
- Having trouble sleeping
Overthinking can cause you to have trouble sleeping every night, because you think about everything and worry. In fact, lack of sleep can trigger various health problems, both physical and mental.
In addition to the characteristics of overthinking above, someone with overthinking is also usually difficult or afraid to make decisions, because they often think about mistakes or the impact that could arise afterwards.
How to Overcome Overthinking
Overthinking is a condition that should not be allowed to drag on because it can have a negative impact on mental health. Therefore, if various signs and symptoms of overthinking appear, you can try to overcome them with the following steps:
1. Trying to figure out the trigger
The most important way to overcome overthinking is to find out the trigger. After knowing the triggers, you can start looking for solutions to solve the problem of what makes you overthinking.
If you find it difficult to determine triggers and solutions, don't hesitate to ask for help from family, closest friends, or even a psychologist.
2. Provide a time limit before making a decision
Someone who is overthinking will find it difficult when faced with conditions that require him to make a decision. This is because the person does not want to take a wrong step.
To overcome this, you can provide a time limit for making decisions so you don't continue to drag on in these thoughts.
In addition, to keep your mind focused, you can make a priority list of the solutions you want to take. You can sort them based on the amount of benefits that can be taken.
3. Look for diversions
After knowing the triggers and determining the solution, you can start looking for other activities that are fun. This is so that the brain does not focus too much on the trigger for overthinking.
Apart from that, you can also meditate to clear your mind. The trick, you have to be in a calm and comfortable place, then make sure your body is relaxed and start to catch your breath while thinking about positive things.
4. Embrace fear
Surely there will be some things that are always out of your control. Learning to accept risks that will occur later can really help you to limit excessive thoughts. So, don't be afraid to face the bad things that can happen, OK?
5. Accept failure
In addition, overthinking people often think that they are wrong when they fail. In fact, this can actually trigger stress.
Instead of regretting things that have happened, it's better for you to think ahead to be better and make this failure a lesson.
Overthinking certainly won't just disappear, you can continue to repeat the method of dealing with overthinking above so you can avoid this condition. Also, don't forget to continue to be grateful so that it can help your mind to continue to think positively.
If these methods have been applied but you are still experiencing overthinking, try to consult a psychologist to get the right solution to overcome this habit.