Overthinking

You are laying in your bed, trying to fall asleep, but your mind just won't shut off? Instead of trying to get some rest and get ready for the following day, your mind wanders from mistakes you made in past, to issues you will have to face in the future. Well, I guess you realize you are overthinking.

See, while at day, when we are busy doing other things - eating, socializing, playing online games, watching TV, listening to music, reading - we are often focused on those things and our mind does not have the need to wander. At night, however, when we get alone with our thoughts - well, it can be a problem.

Over-thinkers tend to over analyze their past. While it may be helpful to rethink of a mistake you made and make a lesson out of it, thinking of it over and over again, annoyed at yourself why you did not do it other way, it can only be harmful for you.
Having an important exam tomorrow? Worrying how will you do, a hundred 'what if's', 'should have's', etc will not only make you more anxious, but will also make it harder for you to fall asleep and get much needed rest. Relax - if you studied enough, you will most likely pass. And even if you don't, it isn't the end of the world, you will do better next time!
Over-thinkers have also a problem with making decisions, calculating pros and cons, and even when the decision is made, they wonder what if they chose the other option. This will only bring you unease, and it will not help.


My advice: before going to bed, watch a movie or an episode of your favorite TV show, or the best - just read few chapters of an interesting book. That way, when you go to your bed, you can concentrate on the events in fictional world instead of your problems. Daydreaming may also help. Just do not let your mind wander.

~ Milena