“I quieted my mind and allowed my soul to speak – they shared profound insights.”
The human mind is a powerhouse at constantly analysing situations and problems. This may sometimes lead to excessive worrying about hypothetical scenarios or being overly critical about situations. We are mentally exhausted and find it harder to focus on the present.
Through self-reflection, we can harness the power of our minds and use it to our advantage, gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Practising mindfulness, setting aside specific times for problem-solving, and seeking professional help when needed are all effective strategies for managing overthinking and self-control.
Understanding the mind’s processes is a powerful tool that empowers us to take control of our thoughts and actions. The human mind processes information, generates ideas, and creates wonders. It is responsible for consciousness, perception, memory, emotion, and reasoning. This understanding empowers us to navigate our thoughts and actions with confidence.
Thinking is the mind’s most significant tool, distinguishing it from the rest of the living world. Thinking is positive, but overthinking can be both a boon and a curse, depending on the context and how it is channelled.
The flip side is that overthinking is not the problem—uncontrolled overthinking is. A thought that keeps spinning in the late hours, compromises sleep, raises blood pressure, and instigates negative and suicidal tendencies.
Studies on the human mind suggest that overthinking is often associated with negative and derogatory thoughts. A happy thought will undoubtedly bring peace and a deep sleep.
An overthinker is good at creating and concocting problems and situations that are not even there. A small, unpleasant thought churns in the mind over and over again, gaining momentum and becoming gigantic, playing havoc with compromising understanding. Most of the time, thoughts concern what people say, do, and think about us. The truth is that – what others say of me matters little—what I say and do matters much.
In relationships, the mind churns out negativity by overthinking its actions. Emotions can become distorted, focusing on the partner’s negative aspects, even when there is nothing to worry about. A jilted lover may cook stories and form one-sided opinions, instigating acute depression or even suicidal tendencies.
Dr Lucy Russell, a clinical psychologist, suggests that we have anxious thoughts because the brain is trying to keep us alive, choosing survival over happiness. The brain often conjures up worst-case scenarios and ‘what-ifs’ so that we can prepare for unseen disasters. The trouble is that the brain regularly makes mistakes. One may not be able to control all the events that happen, but one can decide not to be reduced to one.
“The truth is that only about two per cent of our thoughts deserve to be taken seriously.” The rest are mundane conjectures, troubling our mental state and emotional acumen like a disease. Unnecessary worrying casts a big shadow over small things. It is always better to stop trying to calm the storm—the best is to calm yourself—the storm will pass.
Overthinking – A Boon.
*Enhances the analytical power – There is positive anticipation of outcomes, allowing for thoughtful decisions.
*Instigates creativity — A thoughtful mind churns out wonders, creating art, culture, and technology.
*Formulates the mind for the worst – forms a plan B for every move and action.
*Nurtures empathy and compassion — while considering and respecting other people’s modus operandi and perspective, builds greater emotional significance.
Overthinking –A Curse.
*Over-analysis of meagre situations leading to mental paralysis.
*Mental and emotional exhaustion – it drains and eclipses logic.
*Loss of confidence – people start doubting their abilities and acumen.
*Sleepless nights, restless days – There is a disruption of mental peace that compromises sleep.
Most individuals who suffer from the curse of overthinking and a lack of sleep turn to pills and addictions. However, there must be specific ways to combat this menace—SIX WAYS.
*Analyse the thoughts – Is overthinking doing any good by solving a problem? Or it is just vibrating in your head for no reason. Most things aren’t as big as they may seem.
*Pen down the thoughts – writing down the thoughts may help in clearing the perspective.
*Time the thoughts – Postpone the irking thought to a later and better date. The idea will eventually die.
*The ‘5-5-5 rule’ – Will the nagging thought matter to me in 5 minutes, 5 days, or 5 years? – If not, let it go.
*Shift scenario – Try indulging in fun activities or meditating in silence.
*Indulge in a fun activity or communicate with a confidante or a professional.
‘The more a person stays in their head, the less they get ahead.’ Most of the time, we think about scaling the entire staircase – the need should be to take it one step at a time.
“People become attached to their burdens sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them.” GEORGE BERNARD SHAW.
*******************
Dear Doctor Anuj,
As I read through every sentence of your write up, I could see myself in similar situations. One fine day I realised that I had to take serious charge of overthinking, worrying unnecessarily and bothering my head.
Your explanation has been well received with thanks.
Excellent coverage 😀 kudos
Thanks dear for such prompt response. I think we all do the same — I too overthink and realise later that it was all futile. It eventually harms us. The unfortunate part is that overthinking is usually negative. so next time you think — think of delectable cooking, meeting an interesting friend and travelling to a place where the seventh wonder is situated 🙂
regards