Ep 48 – Qs to reflect on when overthinking
By Shweta
Did you know that 73 per cent of adults between the ages of 25 and 35 would think and believe they are actually doing themselves a favour? But the truth is, overthinking adds to the problem, so much so that the worry starts to cause more stress than the actual issue. If are a classic overthink, then this one is for you.
What is overthinking?
One study from the University of Michigan found that 73 per cent of adults between the ages of 25 and 35 overthink, as do 52 per cent of 45 to 55-year-olds. And many of us, especially those who define ourselves as rational or logical, rely on this overthinking to shine the way forward for us. But more often than not, this overthinking harms us when you’re constantly overthinking your engrossed in it so much that you may or may not have the energy to take action, you’ll feel emotionally drained because so much of your time is spent thinking, not to mention feeling moody, irritable, with changes in appetite, sleep cycles and more.
Hit pause
So here’s what you can do when you catch yourself overthinking the next time. First hit pause. Maybe even consciously visualise a stop sign to stop thinking. Then wear the hat of an observer, a third party just watching the thoughts coming up and take a pen and paper and list down all the thoughts that come up and then ask yourself the first question.
How true are each of these thoughts?
- How true are each of those thoughts? If you need to put them on a scale of 1-10. 1 is false, 10 being truth
- If they are not very true say 5 or less – Write a counter to each of these thoughts. For example, if it is self-doubt that’s showing up and says I’m terrible at my work, the counter can be there are people I know and trust who believe in my ability. The counter needs to be something that doesn’t counter for the sake of it and is actually believable – more believable than the thoughts that triggered the overthinking.
- If they are quite true and legit, ask yourself What out of these thoughts is within my control? And how can I act on it?
What out of these thoughts are within my control and how can I act on it?
For example, if your thoughts go like, Oh my God, am I getting the job? Did I interview rightwards was unlikable? I really should not have cracked a joke towards the end. I knew my sense of humour was terrible. While the thoughts may be true that you do not know if your joke landed well or whether you are getting that job. But analyzing anything in the past is beyond your control. On the other hand, if your thoughts are on my God, tomorrow is the interview and I’m so, not prepared. This could be the truth and something in your control. You can leave everything and take time to plan out what you need to prepare for the interview in the time you have a deep dive on these aspects.
The next time you get yourself overthinking and find answers within.
