Overthinking

Even those who are tuned into their feelings, reactions and emotional responses can lose connection with their inner wisdom if they get sucked into overthinking. Your inner voice might be loud and clear, but if you drown it out by analysing every possibility, is it any surprise that you feel a bit adrift? It’s true that not every emotional response is significant – sometimes, feelings are random or temporary reactions to circumstances. But, rather than sitting with your feelings or allowing yourself to process them, you can pounce on them and analyse them to death. When something important is at stake, it’s good to think it through and consider all eventualities, but overthinking isn’t constructive thinking and, rather than bringing clarity, it can leave you stuck and confused.

Overthinking is a hard habit to shake, but the first step is to notice it. When you become aware that you are caught up in your thoughts, check in with your emotions. If you are stressed, anxious or low, your thinking may not be constructive. Find time every day to quieten your mind and give your inner wisdom a chance to shine.