We all have habits of thinking; some think more, while others think less. Every day, and every moment, we have to make decisions about different things, and that requires thinking. In serious situations, it requires even deeper thought. This is completely normal. However, some people keep thinking all day if something bad will happen to them, going over the same topic again and again, making negative assumptions instead of moving on and taking action. This is called overthinking.
Let’s understand the difference between thinking and overthinking, as well as how much thinking is good and how much is harmful.
Thinking
We all think, and that’s human nature. Every day, we encounter new problems in life, and dealing with them requires proper thinking. These problems can be related to life, career, relationships, or other areas. We can’t think about a problem just once and expect everything to be sorted out. Problems are endless, and we have to face them throughout our lives, so finding solutions through careful thinking is necessary.
The key point is that if you are thinking logically, analyzing situations, brainstorming to find solutions, and not focusing excessively on negatives, then this is healthy and productive thinking.
Overthinking
Overthinking occurs when someone thinks too much about something that has happened to them, constantly worrying, focusing on negative outcomes, being unable to break free from those thoughts, and making assumptions.
For example, if someone says something hurtful to you, or you experience an unpleasant incident, or you develop a serious health issue, and you keep dwelling on it, focusing only on the negatives instead of looking for solutions, it is a sign of anxiety and overthinking. We should acknowledge the issue, look for possible solutions, and then move on. Good and bad experiences are a part of life. We should enjoy the good times, remain patient during difficult phases, focus on solving problems, and continue moving forward.
