4 reasons why thinking too much wears our mind
The ability to reason and plan is one of the great gifts that nature has given us, but we must bear in mind that rationality is a double-edged sword.
If emotions can make us jump over highly risky projects in which there is little or nothing to gain, the reason can keep us anchored in the site; it gives us, in short, an excuse to stay in the comfort zone and not only not to progress, but to create problems that did not exist before.
Ruminate and obsess over an idea or topic It is as counterproductive as it is frustrating, but that does not make us "unhook" from that habit when there is something that captures our mind's attention over and over again, or something that worries us (like having made a bad first impression on someone) or the uncertainty of something that awaits us in the future (such as the results of some medical tests).
Of course, there are issues that deserve a lot of our attention, but in those cases everything that is not guide our thoughts to resolve that situation effectively It will lead us to lose the battle of stress and badly invested time. Ruminating all the time with a thought about a problem without solution or about something that does not depend on us, normally, it takes away more of what it gives us.
- You may be interested: "The 12 types of obsessions (symptoms and characteristics)"
Why obsessing with something weakens us psychologically
These are some extra reasons why you should consider stop thinking all the time about the same and Accept problems with simplicity and constructive attitude.
1. It's an emotional alibi
In many cases, we are obsessed with something that, despite the fact that we could find a solution, to achieve it seems very complicated. In these cases, thinking all the time about that acts as an alibi for ourselves; it gives us the feeling that we do something to walk in the direction of that goal without, really, doing anything real that increases our chances of success.
Revel in catastrophic thoughts For example, it is not taking stock of the risks, just as fantasizing about success all the time is not a way to become self-motivated. It simply turns us into more obsessive people and, consequently, with less ability to respond in an adequate way to the demands of the environment. That is why it is necessary to analyze our own thoughts and feelings to remove any habit that smells like an excuse for not taking risks and reasonable amounts of effort and stress.
2. Limit our productivity
Definitely, Thinking too much is a way to procrastinate , to leave everything "for tomorrow" (indefinitely). When the time comes when we are forced to react, our mind must deal with a lot of challenges that come at once, and act in a disorganized manner; not even remarkably intelligent people get away with situations like that.
- Related article: "Procrastination or the syndrome of" I'll do it tomorrow ": what it is and how to prevent it"
3. Our mental health worsens
Rumination, which in theory seems comfortable, by postponing responsibilities in exchange for spending time thinking obsessively about something, does nothing but generate a problem of hurry and stress in the medium term. This vicious circle of motives to worry about impediments that come our way makes our anxiety levels grow , which increases the chances of having a crisis related to a mental disorder. The relationship between the tendency to think things too much and the possibility of developing mental problems has been proven.
4. Causes sleep problems
As a consequence of the above, the rumination and obsessions that distract us leave a devastating mark on our sleeping habits, which in turn causes many other problems related to lack of rest, distractions, fatigue and memory problems. Not only do we sleep fewer hours, but also, according to studies, The quality of our sleep is lower , and we spend less time in the deepest phase of this.
Tips not to think too much and move from worry to action
If you are interested in breaking the vicious circle of rumination, here are some guidelines you can follow:
1. Create lists of objectives
Prioritize what you really want to do about everything else, to be clear about where you should direct your actions.
2. Organize a calendar of mints
Fragment your goals into smaller sub-goals , to be able to be daily, so as not to have the feeling that it is something unattainable (something that would encourage rumination).
3. Follow schedules
Make commitments when following strict schedules.Every time you do not comply, leave money in a piggy bank whose contents another person will enjoy. In this way you will try to avoid the possible immediate loss.
