It's natural to ponder over a picture, concept, or notion. You might often find yourself lost in your thoughts while the things around you start fading. It's perfectly normal to overthink, but dwelling on it could lead to unhealthy territory.
Second-guessing your decisions, imagining some worst-case scenarios, or thinking about things you could have done differently can be exhausting. You might believe that pondering over something for a long time can help solve the problem, but that's usually difficult. Sometimes when you can't stop thinking and creating scenarios, you'll be left with little to no energy to tackle usual activities.
Everyone overthinks at times, but it is essential to notice the thread that leads to negative overthinking. Ask yourself what exactly triggers your overthinking. Experts say that there are various reasons your mind can push you towards negative thought patterns. If you feel the same, you're not alone. Some natural ways and supplements can help you ease this, like magnesium complex which aids in remaining calm.
Do You Experience Repetitive Thoughts?
Do you often catch yourself pondering over the same thing repeatedly? When you're overthinking, you might notice yourself replaying the same conversation or imagining something negative happening each time.
A study conducted in 2013 says that focusing on problems and shortcomings increases the chance of mental health issues. Poor mental health can ruin your mood, decrease your energy, and lead to other severe problems.
What Causes Overthinking?
Over the years, psychologists have found the following causes people struggle with overthinking. Do you find yourself here?
1. Helplessness
Do you think a lot? Ruminate a lot? And worry a lot? Humans have a difficult time with helplessness. Nobody likes to feel helpless!
This feeling is true for people we love and care about, especially when someone is suffering and we want to help. Overthinking is not helpful yet feels helpful a lot of times.
It gives you the illusion of control and intensifies the feeling of helplessness. The long-term effect can sometimes be chronic anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed so much that we want to shut out our minds.
Studies show that magnesium plays a vital part in our body and helps ease stress. Getting hold of supplements would be a good call.
2. Perfectionism
People with obsessive or perfectionist habits may find themselves spiraled with negative thoughts. Those afraid of judgment stress over things they mentioned in social gatherings or at work. Low-self esteem makes them ruminate whether other people like them or their partner would leave them. Anxious individuals fear futuristic things, which are difficult to control, such as whether they might suffer or die.
3. Trauma
While overthinking can happen to anyone, Neuroscience says childhood neglect or abuse can make the brain cling to a specific state of hypervigilance. People who underwent trauma stay alert and scan for every possible danger. In such a state, one can experience intrusive thoughts.
5 Ways to Ease Overthinking
Don't panic. Overthinking is normal and can happen to anyone. You can convert these negative thoughts into positive ones with some simple steps.
Magnesium
Our bone contains 60% magnesium, while the rest is found in our muscles, blood, and soft tissues. Magnesium is vital for the human body to function optimally.
Studies have found magnesium to improve anxiety, insecurity, headaches, depression, apathy, restlessness, and talkativeness.
Magnesium aids the brain to cope well with stressors. The magnesium complex reduces the feeling of panic and fear and helps ease and calm down.
Control Your Thoughts
When you find yourself stressing over things, stop and take a minute to scan the thoughts you can control. Answer what's on your mind and see if you can control some of these perspectives.
Before you conclude and exaggerate situations, you should recognize and replace these negative thought patterns.
Active Problem Solving
Instead of questioning yourself, "Why is this happening to me?", t ell yourself that you can control the situation. Remember that dwelling on the issue will not be helpful. Look for appropriate explanations and solutions to avoid future troubles.
Unplug, Spend Time in Nature
A published in 2008 in Psychological Science shows that our brain becomes calm and sharp after spending some time in nature. Outdoor and green spaces put the brain in a meditative state.
Take a walk in nature whenever you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts. It will instantly boost your mood. You can also unplug digital devices to decrease your stress.
Change the Channel
Repeatedly telling yourself to stop overthinking may backfire. When you forcefully avoid a situation, you are only letting yourself think about it more.
Engage in an activity or channel your thoughts by exercising or starting a project to distract your mind from negative thoughts.
In Conclusion
Troubled by the distressing thoughts, overthinkers often beat themselves up over an error or fret about how they will tackle things tomorrow. Unable to get out of their thought pattern leaves them in constant anguish.
As mentioned above, everyone overthinks at some point, but some find it hard to end the constant thought barrage.
If you are an overthinker, you can follow the steps mentioned above. Under the guidance of your healthcare expert, you can also add magnesium complex to your diet routine to maintain good mental and physical health.
