Still Overthinking Often? Take a Look at How to Overcome It!

The term overthinking seems to have been trending lately. It could be that you have heard it before or even often. In both the media and social media, this term appears frequently.

Even in everyday conversation, it is easy to hear, “don’t overthink!” This word is often identified with people who thinktoo much. When you think about it, what does it actually mean?

When Overthinking Strikes

Overthinking  consists of two words, over which means excessive and thinking which means thinking. So, overthinking means thinking excessively. When someone is drowning in their own thoughtsto the point of producing excessive anxiety and worry they are overthinking.

Someone who overthinks will think about something too deeply, even if it is trivial. In fact, what they are thinking about may not necessarily happen. If left unchecked, overthinking can cause mentaldisorders, anxiety, and health problems. 

I have also experienced overthinking. Every time I heard about Mama being sick, I would become very worried. My thoughts would drift into worrying about bad things that might happen to my mother. For me, the world had already collapsed. It was hard to think about anything else.

As a result, of course, it was unpleasant. My relationship with my wife became neglected. She felt ignored, and sad because I seemed like a confused person. She did not know how to respond to me.

Until I realized that the effects of this overthinking are very bad. It not only damages ourselves, other people will also be affected. 

Steps to Control Overthinking

I believe you also agree that overthinking is not good. It will be very harmful to yourself and others. Therefore, let us change!

1. Pause the Rush of Thoughts with Prayer

James 5:13a If anyone among you is suffering, let him pray!....

When overthinking, it is as if we are unable to stop the rush of our thoughts. The longer we think about it, the more worried. 

we become. That is when you need to pause the rush of thought for a moment by praying. You can close your eyes for a moment, then tell the Father all your fears and anxieties. By running to God first, you can receive peace.

Believe it, it is easier to stop the rush of thoughts with prayer. Ask for strength from Him, so that you can be calmer.

2. Find the Best Solution

Usually, overthinking is triggered by one complicated problem . It feels much easier to avoid the problem rather than face it.

Avoiding problems will not overcome your overthinking you. Instead, you will become even more worried. Why? Because the problem will not be solved if it is only avoided.

If a small problem happens, you must get used to accepting it sincerely and finding a solution as quickly as possible. Believe it, you will be able to overcome the problem !

What if what happens is a serious problem ? You really need to develop the best strategy for resolving it. 

Luke 14:28 For which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, whether he has enough money to complete it. 

From the verse above, we can learn about the principle of planned and carefully considered problem-solving. We need to plan how to resolve the problem that is happening, instead of just staying still and avoiding the problem .

3. Share Your Thoughts with a Friend

Something that really helps me calm my overthinking is expressing my thoughts to my wife. “Am I thinking too much right now? It feels so overwhelming. What would be best?” I said.  That is when my wife would calm me down. She would say, “That is enough, do not think about it excessively. Stop your thoughts and worry!”

It is very important for you to have supportive friends. You can share the complexity of your  thoughts you with them. 

Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, one will lift up his friend, but woe to the one who falls and has no one else to lift him up!

This is why it is important to have a friend who is ready to lift you up. If you are alone, or do not have a friend who is ready to support and help, with whom will you share?

Surrender, Then Keep Moving

Overthinking will not solve your problem you. Solutions come when you stop thinking too far ahead, and start taking action: surrender to God and keep moving.

Besides that, what happens afterward may not be what you fear. Let us keep trusting in God, and move forward to face challenges!

Reference: https://katadata.co.id/safrezi/berita/617826abd9eca/kenali-tanda-tanda-dan-dampak-overthinking-serta-cara-mengatasinya

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