Over-Thinking

Replay.

Replay.

Replay.

I should have said something else. Now they think…

Does it sound familiar? We replay conversations and situations in our head and then criticise or analyse them.

There is a difference between a quick review and an over analysis. When you review, you briefly replay what has happened. Looking at what you have learned from the situation and perhaps decide on doing it differently next time.

When over analysing, you replay and relive the emotions that were experienced over and over and over again, giving different outcomes and scenarios to it. This can have a negative impact as the thinking tends to be for extended periods.

Can you do anything about a situation that has happened in the past? Can you learn from it? Can you gain anything from predicting how things may happen in future? Is worrying about it going to change it?

There is nothing wrong with replay but when it negatively impacts your life and steals your joy from your current situation, then it’s worth asking yourself the question. Why am I doing this and what will I achieve by replaying it?

Replaying and over analysing can become an unhealthy habit which kills the joy of the current moment.

Sage is a herb that can assist with digestion issues but the acronym can also assist with digesting over-thinking and over-analysing.

SAGE Tips on managing over-analysing:

Sounding board – chat to someone that you can trust that will help you gain a clear perspective on the situation.

Ask – if you are analysing communication in a relationship, its best to ask to clarify instead of second guessing what the other person was intending.

Gratitude – Count your blessings by identifying what you can be grateful for in your life despite the circumstances.

Exercise – get the endorphins pumping. It will help clear your mind and your thinking.