A bit of introspection is a good thing, and we all have moments where our minds race, replaying conversations or worrying about the future. However, if you find yourself trapped in a cycle of endless overthinking, it might be taking a toll on your happiness and well-being. Here are some habits that can be red flags for a brain that’s always in overdrive.
1. You avoid expressing your true opinions.
Maybe you keep quiet instead of disagreeing with someone in a meeting, or you nod along with a friend’s opinion even if you don’t genuinely feel the same way. While a little diplomacy is important, constantly censoring your true thoughts might be a sign you’re afraid of being judged or disliked if people knew what you really believed, Psychology Today notes.
2. You agonize over decisions, big and small.
Should you try that new restaurant or stick with your usual spot? Blue shirt or grey one? Overthinkers can get bogged down in even the smallest decisions because they’re constantly analyzing every detail and all the possible outcomes. It’s exhausting and can make it hard to actually take action and move forward with your life.
3. You constantly replay past conversations.
Did you say something stupid? Should you have worded that email differently? Hours or even days later, overthinkers dissect the past. They wish like they could turn back the clock and do things differently. This habit can cause a lot of stress and make it hard to appreciate the present moment.
4. You have a hard time falling asleep.
When your mind is overflowing with thoughts and worries, it’s incredibly difficult to unwind and slip into a restful sleep. If you find yourself staring at the ceiling rehashing your day or stressing about the future, that’s a pretty obvious sign that your brain needs some calming down.
5. You’re always asking for reassurance.
Overthinkers struggle with self-doubt, so they often look to others for constant validation. Whether it’s asking a partner “Do you really love me?” over and over, or seeking endless feedback from a coworker, they need to hear that they’re doing things right to feel momentarily okay.
6. You jump to worst-case scenarios.
One missed call from a loved one can spiral into a full-on panic attack. If your boss asks to speak with you, you immediately assume you’re getting fired. For overthinkers, a tiny blip on the radar can quickly trigger their imagination to run wild with catastrophic predictions.
7. You find it difficult to concentrate.
An overactive mind can be a huge distraction. If you struggle to focus on work tasks because your brain keeps wandering, or you can’t enjoy a movie because you’re busy analyzing everything that happens on screen, it might be a sign you need some strategies to tame your thoughts.
8. You struggle to let things go.
Someone cuts you off in traffic, and you’re still fuming about it hours later. A minor disagreement with a friend sticks in your craw for days. Overthinkers tend to obsess over things, Healthline explains, replaying events long after they’re over. This can really build up resentment and hurt your ability to move on.
9. You have trouble being spontaneous.
Overthinkers like to plan and feel prepared for every possible situation. The idea of a surprise weekend trip or an unplanned night out can fill you with anxiety. Spontaneity can mean stepping outside of your comfort zone, and that can feel incredibly risky for someone who craves control.
10. You take criticism very personally.
Even constructive feedback can send an overthinker down a spiral of self-doubt. You start analyzing everything they’ve done, questioning your abilities, and worrying that everyone secretly thinks you’re incompetent. Remember, constructive critique can actually help you grow!
11. You often procrastinate.
The fear of making a mistake or not doing something perfectly can lead to crippling procrastination. Overthinkers get overwhelmed trying to plan out every step and anticipate all the potential problems. The result? Tasks get put off until the very last minute.
12. You struggle to trust others.
Because you constantly question your own choices, you may have a hard time believing that people have your best interests at heart. Maybe you doubt a friend’s intentions or struggle to give a partner the benefit of the doubt. This lack of trust can damage your relationships.
13. You’re a master at reading into things.
A simple text message can have an overthinker’s mind churning, dissecting word choice and punctuation as if they were deciphering an ancient code. You overanalyze everything, looking for hidden meanings and signs that something is wrong, even when there’s no reason for concern.
14. You’re a chronic apologizer.
Even if you didn’t do anything wrong, you might find yourself apologizing constantly, Psych Central reveals. Overthinkers worry excessively about inconveniencing people or bothering someone, so it’s likely that you apologize pre-emptively out of a fear of upsetting anyone.
15. You spend a lot of time alone.
While alone time is essential for everyone, overthinkers may lean on it too much. Because social situations can be anxiety-inducing, it can feel safer to just stay home, but too much isolation can make those overthinking tendencies even worse.
16. You’re physically and emotionally exhausted.
A mind that never rests is incredibly draining. Overthinking can make you feel anxious, depressed, and constantly on edge. You might also experience physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or problems sleeping.
17. You beat yourself up about the past.
Everyone makes mistakes and has regrets, but overthinkers tend to fixate on them. They berate themselves for their past choices and relive embarrassing moments in their heads. This self-criticism isn’t productive and only adds to their emotional burden.
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