Brain-Friendly Friday: How to Better Manage Overthinking
Why overthinking isn’t helpful, and what to do instead
Constant rumination (overthinking things) makes a person much likelier to have or develop depression and anxiety. It’s like problem-solving run amok.
So, instead of trying to “solve” the problem over and over, let’s focus on getting your mind off of it.
Engage in a fun, challenging activity that fully occupies your mind and prevents thoughts from drifting back to the problem.
Take a dance class, see an exciting movie, or meet up with a friend to play chess. This engages other brain networks, thereby breaking the rumination pattern.
When you give your mind something entertaining and stimulating to focus on, you can hop off the mental hamster wheel.
