Life can be unpredictable; no doubt. Yet, the majority of problems we encounter are because we overthink simple things. Overthinking causes us to focus on the negative, hold on to the past and worry about the future. It ruins you, twists things around and makes situations much worse than they really are. Nobody knows what the future holds, so it’s a waste of energy and happiness worrying about the future. Likewise, things that happened in the past cannot be changed so the only way to go about it is to stop overthinking and let it be. Traffic wouldn’t seem so bad if you just breathe and wait for it to pass. Your partner is probably truly busy and not avoiding you. Here are five simple guides to help you stop overthinking everything;
Focus on the present
The idea that we need to know what the future holds is the biggest reason why we feel frustrated and unhappy. The best you can do for your future is to plan and constantly work towards it. Regardless, there is no guarantee that things will go as planned. Whatever will be, will be. The future is just an illusion we keep chasing to give us something to look forward to. What we truly have is the present moment. It doesn’t come easy but we must learn to focus on the present and let the future take care of itself. Overthinking the future prevents you from actually taking actions that will guarantee you the future you dream of.
Set aside time to think
We cannot live life without thinking. It is the one thing that sets us apart from other animals. Our ability to rationalize and make decisions is what makes us human. Overthinking and overanalyzing scenarios causes us to be in a constant state of worry. If you must really ponder over something, set aside time to think. Write down whatever it is you are worrying about and figure out how you can solve it. Once you have a plan in place, don’t let it take so much space in your mind anymore. If it is unemployment that is dominating your thoughts, sit down and think of possible ways to get a job. Start the process and let the rest take care of itself. Once you submit your applications, move on to something else. Worrying won’t guarantee you the job. Whatever will happen, will happen.
Take action
Nothing beats overthinking than taking action. The further you procrastinate, the more room it takes in your mind. Stop trying to come up with the perfect plan and simply take action. Finding the balance between adequate consideration of a problem and taking action is the perfect solution. It doesn’t matter what people might think about the step you take.
“We suffer more in our imagination than in reality”.
Seneca
Once you start taking action, you would realize the situation wasn’t as bad as you imagined it to be. Don’t fail by default; do the work and let the chips fall where they may.
Ask questions
Doubts are one major reason why people can’t stop overthinking. Constantly doubting people’s motives and intentions always keeps you on edge. If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions and clear your doubts. If you are not sure about something, ask questions and get the facts right. Don’t let little things take up so much space in your mind.
Remember no one has it figured out
The idea that you are behind in life puts you in a constant state of worry. Absolutely no one you know has a clear idea of what the future has in store for them. Everyone is trying not to fail – people just have a way of doing it gracefully. Focus on what works for you and be happy. You would be amazed at how easier your life would become when you simply let go of the worries and take life a day at a time. It may not seem very obvious at the moment but you are doing far better than you give yourself credit for. Always stay calm and be content, even as you work towards better days.
Just Stop Overthinking!
