Overthinking is the most commonly used word today. Perhaps the focus on mental health during COVID has made everyone realize how thinking too much can affect one’s mind. But is that really a worry or an exaggeration? Here’s what one of the best Social Anxiety therapists says – “Overthinking makes people stuck in the cycle of analysis paralysis”.

In other words, it inhibits your ability to think creatively and positively about the outcome of your actions. The more you think, the more overly conscious you become, leading to anxiety. It makes you overly critical of yourself and lose self-esteem and confidence. However, one Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles doesn’t categorize every thinking act as a sign of overthinking.

So, how to decide when the mind starts overthinking?

3 Signs of An  Overthinker

Though there are no particular criteria; however, these 3 common signs are mostly considered overthinking.

Constant Worry

The most common sign of overthinking is constantly worrying about an event, outcome, or situation. It could be about past mistakes, future possibilities, or present conditions. For example: Worrying a night before the college entrance exam is pretty normal, but if it exceeds out of proportion, making a person not concentrate enough, it is a clear indication of overthinking.

Difficulty in Making Decisions

Overthinking keeps a person stuck in the loop of unnecessary analyzing of future outcomes and related consequences. It results in indecision and increases fear of making wrong decisions. Take the example of a person relocating to a different country. At one point, the person is happy about the new job opportunity but constantly worries about the possibility of something bad happening along the way.

Not only it makes one doubtful about their decision, but it causes stress.

Trouble Getting Enough Sleep

Coming home exhausted from a tiring day at the office to find restful sleep, but the worries make it troublesome for you to do so. Above is a common episode in many people’s lives, but a few have the ability to overcome it with time. Although fretting about scheduled tasks and unsubmitted assignments is normal, losing sleep every night is not.

Tips to Overcome Your Overthinking Self

Anyone who finds themselves trapped in the vicious cycle of overthinking may follow these tips to break the overthinking cycle:

Recognize When You’re Overthinking

The first step in overcoming overthinking is recognizing when the mind starts to race. Check if it’s related to an ongoing problem or any past event. Becoming self-aware of your thoughts is the key to coming out of this loop.

Focus on Present & Take Action

One of the most effective ways to quiet your mind is by focusing on the present moment. Pay attention to what exists around you, whether an object or people.

• Practicing mindfulness techniques is the best way to stop the mind from wandering and focusing on the present. It eliminates distractions and increases concentration span.
• Writing thoughts is another way to gain clarity and confidence while making decisions. It clears the mind, allowing you to set achievable goals and take action.

Engage in Physical Activity

‘Healthy mind lives in a healthy body’ – everyone has come across this quote at least once in their lifetime. It’s time to apply this principle in life and break the cycle of overthinking. When a person engages in physical activity, it releases mood-boosting hormones that clear the mind, uplift mood, and boost energy levels.

Anything from a 30-minute walk to a Cardio session can help stop the mind from thinking unnecessarily.

At Last

Taking control of your mind and overcoming overthinking is important. It is possible to do so with the help of self-awareness techniques, mindfulness therapy, and taking support from a Jungian therapist. You can search for a ‘Jungian Analyst near me’ to find the best therapist suitable for your needs, who can guide you through the process, ultimately helping you stop your mind from overthinking.