When Overthinking Takes Over!

Q: What is over thinking?
 
A: Over thinking is when we think about something to much and for too long.
 
Q: Why do we over think?
 
A: The thing is, we all do this.  Over thinking is a way our brain likes to make sense of what’s happening in our world at that particular time.  It’s a way to problem solve or analyze a situation.  Often we end up thinking over every minute detail, which can involve worrying, personalizing or mindreading a situation in our past or our future.
 
Q: Is over thinking good for us?
 
A: If we’re ruminating on a situation to learn or to help us grow then no it’s not a problem.  The problem comes with spending long periods of time being pre-occupied with our thoughts.  Usually they’re negative and aren’t very helpful.  The more we ruminate, the more it can have negative impacts on our mental health.  Think of the brain this way, “Neurons that fire together, wire together”.  So the more we think about something, particularly negative, the more we’re creating stronger connections in the brain, thus its easier to access.
 
Q: So how do I stop over thinking?
 
A: This is a great question as it’s easier said than done, though we can rewire our brain so that we create stronger positive pathways.

1. The first step to any change is having awareness of what we’re doing.  Start noticing when the ruminating is starting to take over. 
2. Practicing Mindfulness is a great way to start managing some of the unhelpful thoughts that tend to surface.  Mindfulness can help us become much more present, thus becoming more aware of our thoughts and quiet the mind.
3. Change your focus because what you focus on you feel.  Often we’re telling ourselves that we don’t want to be experiencing or thinking these thoughts, though our brain doesn’t do negatives very well. So the more we say we don’t want to think these thoughts, the more we do.  So distract your mind with positive activities, such as adult colouring in, Mindfulness, exercise, or call a friend.
4. Challenge our thoughts.  Many of our thoughts are just assumptions…a thought with little evidence. So we need to challenge the truth of what we are thinking and learn to replace our thoughts with more positive or helpful thoughts.

 
Over thinking can happen to us all and none of us are immune to it…it’s what makes us human.  Though we can learn to manage our mind to it works for us, not against us.
 
If you would like to know more, than either visit us at www.bodymindsoulclinic.com.au.
 
Or you can call us on 5519 3338 or request an appointment with one of our Clinicians today.