Are you overthinking?
According to psychotherapist N. Duke, overthinking creates stress by focusing on the negative, dwelling on the past or worrying on the future. Have you ever been told that you’re overthinking?
What exactly do we mean by ‘overthinking’? I’ve come across an article suggesting that there are three forms of overthinking. The first two -worrying over the future & ruminating over the past – resemble two fears: the fear of uncertainty and the fear of regret. This caught my attention.
Worrying over the future: the fear of uncertainty
Personally, one the hardest aspects of being diagnosed with MS has been the lack of certainties. I still remember all the questions popping up in my head all the time after my diagnosis: What will happen? How will MS affect my work? My family life? Will I be able to keep working? Will I be able to finish my PhD?
Similar uncertainties can arise as a result of any major disruptive event. Because I was faced with these uncertainties then, I often feel better prepared than those who never had to face ‘life-changing’ situations. But that is not always the case. Sometimes, the fear of uncertainties takes over…
Ruminating over the past: the fear of regret
When it comes to regrets, we all know we can’t change what could have, would have, should have been. But knowing is one thing. Accepting and not ruminating over it is another. Meditation has helped me a lot in this regard and I find is easier to stop ruminating over past than worrying over the future.
Overthinking over solutions to present-day problems
This is the third type of overthinking that the article I had read identified. But this is in our own nature! So even if there’s no tangible problem, we’ll find one: How do I find meaning? How I can ever run a marathon? There’s nothing wrong with any these questions as long as they don’t eat away our peace of mind.
My toolkit
What should we do when we need a break from this overthinking? We all have our own tools. Here is my list:
– Yoga & Breathwork as focussing on the breath and sensations makes overthinking impossible
– Exercise to release endorphins and feel good
– Meditate to learn not to get ‘hooked’ on thoughts
– Reframe problems as challenges to look on the brighter side
– Repeat one of my mantras ‘Don’t think of what could go wrong, Think of what could go right!’ It works!
– Write and put down thoughts on paper to release them
– Spend time in Nature and be amazed at its beauty and creativity
– Talk to my dogs because they know how to focus on the present moment!
What about you? What do you do when you need a break from overthinking?
See you on the mat
With love
Véronique