Overthinking

[Ducktard]

Hey escapists.
I am having a problem with overthinking things. I find myself overthinking and overanalyzing everything that comes my way, and it's wearing me out. I always think the worst is going to happen when I really don't have a reason to think it, and usually everything is much much less serious than I think, and it takes about two seconds for me to calm down after being stressed\sad\scared for up to several hours, when I get to know that nothing of the CHAOS AND DISTRUCTION I was sure was going to ensue, actually happened. It's all well and good, but it hurts me to be stressed for so long over nothing

So fellow escapists, I turn to you for advice, what do you do if you start overthinking things?

 

[Penguin_Factory]

I've had this on and off for years. I'm currently in the middle of a bout of it that's been more or less continuous for the better part of a year. I know exactly what you mean about it wearing you out. I get into these horrible loops where I over analyze stuff, then analyze myself over analyzing, then analyze myself over analyzing about over analyzing......

Recently I've been improving it with the following steps:

1) Try to clear your mind and focus on what's in front of you right at this moment. I don't mean empty your mind of all thought, just try to slow down and consider whatever it is you're currently doing instead of whatever is churning around in your head.

There's also something called mindfullness meditation which I believe is designed specifically for this purpose, although I haven't tried it myself.

2) I think this sort of thing is based on repetitive mental patterns, so try to cut them off. Watch for when you start over-thinking or worrying about things, and stop yourself immediately. This can be frustrating, but keep it up and you'll get into the habit of it.

3) Relax. Several times a day if you can manage it, lie down or sit down somewhere comfortable and quiet (bedroom works best) and just do nothing. Doing this just after waking up is especially helpful.

4) Cut down on internet time. If like me you spend a lot of your free time on the internet it's easy to get into a situation where all your leisure time is spent in intensive mental activity, and I think it can lead to your brain being constantly revved up.

5) Exercise. Going for long, fast walks (or even better, jogging) can really clear your head. Also try to get out of your comfort zone and into places you haven't been before, to engage your mind. On a related note....

6) Do something new. Try some new hobby or activity that you've never done before. Giving your brain something new to process and engage with might help you to live in the moment more instead of analyzing stuff.

7) Lastly, have you considered seeking professional help? With me this is just an annoying habit, but if its really impacting your happiness you might want to talk to a counselor or therapist.

Wow, that was long.....

Anyway, good luck! It took me a very long to even realize I had a problem with this, so if you're at that stage you're probably on your way to improving.

 

[Frezz]

I still overthink, but I've found that writing things down helps a ton when it comes to sorting things out. I don't really keep a formal diary, but there's always some kind of paper around, and when my head gets especially loud I start writing things. My thoughts are often a lot clearer once they're stuck to a page and not jumping around in my head.

I'd also like to echo Penguin_Factory's suggestion to look at counseling. I obviously can't really judge how severe your situation is through the internet, but if this habit is interfering with your daily life, or sometimes turns irrationally negative (as was my case a while back) it could be serious. Even just going in for one session to sort of evaluate your situation can be helpful.

 

[artanis_neravar]

Hey escapists.
I am having a problem with overthinking things. I find myself overthinking and overanalyzing everything that comes my way, and it's wearing me out. I always think the worst is going to happen when I really don't have a reason to think it, and usually everything is much much less serious than I think, and it takes about two seconds for me to calm down after being stressed\sad\scared for up to several hours, when I get to know that nothing of the CHAOS AND DISTRUCTION I was sure was going to ensue, actually happened. It's all well and good, but it hurts me to be stressed for so long over nothing

So fellow escapists, I turn to you for advice, what do you do if you start overthinking things?

Usually about 24 hours later I realize I was over-thinking things and chastise myself, but that never works.

I still overthink, but I've found that writing things down helps a ton when it comes to sorting things out. I don't really keep a formal diary, but there's always some kind of paper around, and when my head gets especially loud I start writing things. My thoughts are often a lot clearer once they're stuck to a page and not jumping around in my head.

That is a good idea, just need to make sure none of it falls into the wrong hands...

 

[chaosyoshimage]

I have this problem and it doesn't seem to go away unless I can actively immerse myself in something else like a game or song or movie or, well, something, although that's just a temporary solution. I usually don't realize that whatever I'm stressed over isn't that bad until it's too late, sorry I'm not very helpful...

 

[LilValky]

I have the same problem, spend ages winding myself up over nothing and pushing everyone that cares about me away, sometimes even making them hate me through my own paranoia. I usually find sitting down and trying to write it down helps as you have to think about it logically to be able to form coherent sentences. Otherwise i do try and immerse myself in something that will get my mind of it for a while but sadly that's only ever a temporary situation. Have you tried talking to someone about it, like a friend or family member? I know it seems like a lot of pressure to put someone under by if they care about you they will listen and sometimes offer advice or help you put things into perspective. Sadly that's about all the advice i can give you as I've never found a way to get over it myself.

 

[zombflux]

You need to establish a balance between thinking and over-thinking. Be rational and learn to recognize when your worrying isn't accomplishing anything.

 

[Insobriety]

Listen to loud music and sing at the top of your voice.

 

[soulless-5]

Personally, I find the best way to stop strenuous mental activity is to do physical activity. Play a game (like soccer or baseball) with your friends and you won't have time, or energy, to over think things. If you do this regularly it should break your habit of really overthinking things. However, like others have said, if it's REALLY bad, talk to professionals.

 

[Galletea]

I have various creative outlets for such things. I find it's best to something you can't overthink, like learning an instrument, or doing number puzzles or making things. Things that require your concentration, but don't have room for sidetracking. Other than that, if you feel seriously bad after these episodes, go and see a doctor. They might have some ideas better suited to your specific mania.

 

[Insanum]

Ever heard of the Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC)?

4 parts:

Experience: Doing something (what happened?)
Observation: Reviewing (Why did it happen?)
Applying Theory: Concluding (I should try this in future)
Testing: Planning (Trying new technique)
(repeat as necessary)

Chances are you're missing out the 4th step. This is one of the problems. You're over thinking, but not changing based on thoughts.

On step three (applying theory) make an action plan. Write it down if you must. Follow through with your thoughts (if they're constructive obviously) and then use this 'over thinking' to your advantage.

 

[])rStrangelove]

I still overthink, but I've found that writing things down helps a ton when it comes to sorting things out. I don't really keep a formal diary, but there's always some kind of paper around, and when my head gets especially loud I start writing things. My thoughts are often a lot clearer once they're stuck to a page and not jumping around in my head.

I'd also like to echo Penguin_Factory's suggestion to look at counseling. I obviously can't really judge how severe your situation is through the internet, but if this habit is interfering with your daily life, or sometimes turns irrationally negative (as was my case a while back) it could be serious. Even just going in for one session to sort of evaluate your situation can be helpful.

^this is what i'm doing too.

I can't seem to remember what kind of decision i've made yesterday for anything, so i keep writing up TO DO lists, or WEEKEND IDEAS or PLANs to whatever.

This seems to help somewhat. I guess knowing that you have some thoughts archived somewhere your brain can now forget about those things and can stop 'rehearsing' them (looping) in order to keep them fresh every day.

In short: get rid of the stuff in your head by writing it down somewhere and keep it. Really helps.