The “Overthinking” Trap
Before I do a deep dive into the overwhelming topic I would like to ask that you define the word “overthink” in your mind. Does it bring up stressful thoughts? Did you forget something? Do you need to go somewhere? Did you pay your bills? Did you just start to overthink?
Are you this way? Because I know I am. Overthinking things can impact your decision-making, mental health and the way you work. I have struggled with anxiety and BPD type 2 for years now and the one thing I can’t seem to shake is how much I tend to overthink anything and everything. The simple things that bring about overthinking, and it may sound stupid but here is my daily thought process for getting ready in the morning.
1.) I need to get up.
2.) Don’t be lazy.
3.) Pick an outfit but make sure its not too much and not too plain.
4.) Is this outfit appropriate? Do I look fat?
5.) I need to brush my hair, should it be up or down? Do I use product?
6.) Oh wait I need to get gas for my car!
7.) Do I even have time to stop for gas even though I really need it, it takes about 10 minutes to get there.
8.) I’m hungry, what do I even eat? Is it quick and if not do I have time to cook?
9.) What shoes do I wear? What color socks do I need to match? Does the pair match?
10.) I need to leave for work or I’ll be late. Will I be late?
But this is all going on at the same time, not just a list like I just made above. It causes anxiety from stressing over the little things and depression from thinking you can’t overcome your own thought process. It seems like a lot to handle for some when in reality this could be your daily life and that list was just my process for waking up in the morning. Does yours look similar, if not the same? I still think that way on my way to work, at work, after work and at home. It really is just a big trap, and unfortunately I am being held prisoner. The 5-5-5 rule is a good method to use when overthinking as it helps minimize your thought process and trick your mind into forgetting about it. 5-5-5 stands for 5 minutes, 5 months, 5 years. Will your thought matter in those time frames? Remind yourself that if a problem won’t matter in 5 years then you shouldn’t spend more than 5 minutes thinking about it. This can become overwhelming and hurt yourself in ways you may not even notice. It can effect the big picture things like your career or even your love life. Can I make this deadline? Did I have good customer service? Do they still love me? Am I being irrational? Did I just raise my voice over nothing? What is wrong with me? Topics like those may seem small at first, but when left to simmer on the backburner in your mind for days it can turn those small thoughts into larger problems like losing your job or your partner. So is overthinking really worth it? To a certain point I do believe it is healthy for any person to overthink things. But I also know from experience that it causes crippling anxiety and depression. So be kind to yourself. Allow yourself time to process your own thoughts but try not to overthink. If you notice this happening to others, try to offer assistance and see if you can join in on their thought process to help “lighten the load” as they may be thinking they can’t escape their own mind.
