Causes of Overthinking and Negative Thinking in Management and how to Overcome

Causes of Overthinking and Negative Thinking in Management and how to Overcome

It might feel like you’re the only one lying awake at night, dwelling on a decision you made earlier that day or worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list. But you’re not alone—research suggests 73% of 25- to 35-year-olds chronically overthink, along with 52% of people ages 45 to 55. In many cases, overthinking could show up as rumination, which often involves perseverating on events of the past and even the present with a negative mind-set. Whether your tendency of overthinking takes you into the past or focuses on the future, there are positive ways to reframe your thoughts.

Now the question remains the same, what causes overthinking?

While overthinking itself is not a mental illness, it is associated with conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance use disorders. Rumination can be common in people who have chronic pain and chronic illness as well, taking the form of negative thoughts about that pain and healing from it.  Some people may have the impression that worrying shows that they care about something or prepares them for the worst outcome, so it can easily become a habit—albeit one you can (and should) break.

A flow of sad thoughts through your mind can be frustrating because you can't be sure if depression is making you think negatively, or thinking negatively is making you depressed. A common cold, exhaustion, stress, hunger, sleep deprivation, even allergies can make you depressed, which leads to negative thoughts.

 

 

How to stop overthinking?

ACCEPT OR DENY YOUR THOUGHTS: - The brain is constantly churning out all kinds of thoughts. “But thinking is a two-way street,” says Dattilo. “While the brain may offer numerous or near-constant ‘thought suggestions,’ it’s ultimately up to us to decide if we accept them.”

RETRAIN YOUR BRAIN: - “When the brain is ‘at rest,’ the areas that light up are the problem solving areas and areas associated with self-referential thinking. So, when left to its own devices, the brain will overthink,” says Dattilo. That means you have to train your brain to do otherwise—particularly if you’re overthinking at certain times, like before bed. It’s possible to reprogram that habit with other mind-clearing activities instead, she adds.

MEDITATE: - Attention training is a meditation technique that can benefit people with anxiety and depression. The easiest way to practice it is to focus on something completely mundane and routine, such as washing dishes or folding laundry. “You simply direct your attention to the task in a way that may even feel hyper-focused and ‘zero in’ on observing yourself and any sensations that arise,” advises Dattilo. That laser focus can help quiet other intrusive thoughts in your head.

DO A BRAIN DUMP: - Journaling is a helpful way to get your thoughts out of your head so they’re not overwhelming you as much. Or, you could always jot down a to-do list. “Making a list or plan is more action-oriented, and that can calm our ruminating brain a bit, too,” says Dattilo. You can do it anywhere, from a piece of paper to your notes app on your phone.J

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE: - No matter where you’re located, fresh air can do your mind plenty of good. If you’re able to get out in nature, even better. Studies show taking a 90-minute walk in a nature-filled environment can decrease one’s inclination toward rumination.

Priyanshi Singh 

Manager HR  

AirCrews Aviation Pvt. Ltd.

www.AircrewsAviation.com

Priyanshi@Air-Aviator.com