Although thinking is a blessing, it can sometimes be a curse. Great innovation and disastrous conflict are a result of overthinking. Thoughts, when good or bad, are used to bring positive or negative results. Overthinking is proof that too much of something is not good. Having the foresight and tools to identify red flags is vital when it comes to preventing overthinking. Below are a few tips that can help to overcome overthinking at work.
1. Be Rational
Be aware of your thoughts to reduce any negative thoughts. Whatever you do, stay in control of your thinking. You need both thinking and breathing because they are natural expressions; however, it’s important to keep them under control. Watch out for obsessive signs that are not productive: pushing yourself past your ability is dangerous.
2. Distract Yourself
Distraction reduces depression and anxiety, as well as improves your mood. Distract yourself by simply taking a break and shifting your attention from unpleasant emotions to a positive situation. This will give you time to calm down and face the problem with a clear head.
3. Learn to Label Your Emotions
Label your emotions to avoid misunderstanding that may lead to counterproductive concerns. Avoid excessive overthinking by pinpointing your feeling and emotions. Label your emotions accurately to decrease activity in the brain and increase your chance of thinking positively.
4. Be a Problem-Solver
Acknowledge in the beginning that your thoughts are going off-track. Take a minute to move away from the problem and towards a practical solution. Recall how you solved a similar problem in the past. Make an action plan to drive your overthinking into the gutter. In turn, you will no longer feel overwhelmed.
5. Get to the Root of the Problem
Lastly, get to the root of the problem by confronting your demons. Just like your emotions, your thoughts are not the truth: they’re temporary and will be over sooner or later. Identify mistakes in your thoughts that are causing your self-doubt. Distance yourself to see the pattern of your thoughts and the problem in perspective.
Over-thinking when you are stressed at work can be challenging. Use the aforementioned strategies to pull yourself out and stay productive.