We have all experienced difficulties shutting off our brains at certain moments. Our thoughts can make us feel anxious and exhausted. If you find yourself feeling these things too, you might be overthinking. Overthinking has become a widespread problem because we are surrounded by responsibilities. According to one study, young and middle aged adults are particularly affected by overthinking. If you think you are unable to detach from your thoughts and relieve from the burden they create, keep reading.
9 signs you are overthinking
1. Regular insomnia
This is common issue for overthinkers because they are unable to shut their brains. Their minds are too wired to sleep because they are preoccupied from the worries during the day. If you experience this problem, try doing something relaxing before bed such as yoga, drawing, reading, writing or anything that help you calm down. It can be beneficial for shifting off of your thoughts by focusing on something else.
2. Living in fear
Living in fear about anything such as the future often leads to drug or alcohol abuse which people use to calm their negative thoughts. However, you can always try a healthy approach such as meditation or anything that can help you focus on the present moment. Another useful practice is setting 15-30 minutes every day to get out your worries by doing something that can keep your mind off of them.
3. Overanalyzing things
Overthinkers usually have the desire to control everything. But, it is impossible to control and predict the future which can make them anxious. They are also very afraid of the unknown and might find themselves sitting down thinking about all the possible outcomes without doing anything about it. If you often overthink, try to go back to the present by taking deep breaths and thinking about something that calms you down.
4. Fear of failure
Overthinkers are also perfectionists and will never accept failure. However, failure can only be avoided by doing nothing. Fear is paralyzing for the overthinker which leads them to not taking action sometimes. However, life is much more than mistakes and failures, and they help us learn and become better.
5. Second-guessing yourself
Since they are perfectionists, overthinkers also analyze things over and over again. They want to avoid making a mistake or a wrong decision so they take a long time to act because they don’t believe in themselves. If you find yourself having difficulties making a decision because your brain is too foggy, you are probably an overthinker. Trust your instinct from time to time. A negative outcome will serve as a lesson and a positive one will create a feeling of pleasure.
6. Frequent headaches
Frequent headaches are a common sign of overthinking. They are a way of our bodies to tell us to take a break, not just physical but also mental. Worries have negative thought patterns, and you can fight them by enforcing positive ones. Focus on your breathing and practice mindfulness and you will quickly get rid of the headaches.
7. Stiff joints and muscles
Overthinking does not just affect your brain, but your entire body. It starts in the brain but gradually moves to other parts of your body which can make you feel exhausted. To prevent this, get regular exercise and stretch before going to bed. This will lead to a healthy body which results in a healthy mind.
8. Fatigue
Constant fatigue is another sign that you need to do something about it. Your body wants you to listen to the signs it gives you, and fatigue is a clear sign something is wrong. Fatigue can be caused by excessive work, but also by overthinking. Your mind is unable to work nonstop, so give it a rest every once in a while. In the modern world our lifestyle become so complicated and we need to do a lot of things in a little time which doesn’t give us enough time for ourselves.
9. Inability to stay in the present moment
If you are unable to enjoy the moment and be happy, you might be overthinking. Overthinking prevents you from focusing on your surroundings because you are trapped in your mind. Open your mind and heart to everything around you and be happy for what you have. Ignore the thoughts that bring you down and pay attention to the beauty life provides us. There are opportunities all around you, but only if you want to see them. Having good and meaningful relationship with people can help silence the negative thoughts. Paying attention to what someone else is speaking prevents us from focusing on our thoughts. Learn how to listen and try to help others when they need it. You will feel better for helping someone but also for keeping your mind blank for a while.