The Negative Effects of OVERTHINKING – What Does It Do To Our Health?
Following my post yesterday about insecurity, today I would like to talk about overthinking. This is another problem that I always face. When I start something, I tend to overthink everything. I mean, there is nothing wrong with preparedness and being organized, but with my overthinking habit, I get to the point where it slows down my progress and in the end, I get so stressed out and frustrated with myself.
I realize that overthinking can have negative impacts on my health. Someone who is overthinking usually experiences headaches because the brain is forced to think about trivial things or even things that don’t necessarily happen.
The thing that we often don’t realize, overthinking will not make the problem lighter. Overthinking is not a temporary disorder, but it can have an impact on your mental health in the future.
Overthinking can indeed be experienced by anyone. Many people overthink before making a decision. Let’s understand the negative effects of overthinking on your health below.
The Negative Effects of
Overthinking for Our Health
Humans are the most perfect creatures compared to animals and plants. Humans are blessed with reason and mind to be able to distinguish between good and bad things.
We are given the ability to think by using a tool called brain. Our brain is the most important tool for us to learn and do something, furthermore to be able to survive.
To do every activity, we need to think about making a decision. Every individual has their own way of thinking. Some think fast and some are full of (excessive) consideration.
Excessive thinking is usually called overthinking and is often also called analysis paralysis. People who overthinking are called overthinkers. This can have both positive and negative effects depending on the intensity and how much it happens.
Overthinking is not a good habit
Stress and constant thinking about a problem for a long duration not only adversely affects mental health, it also gradually undermines physical health.
The urge to keep on remembering and thinking about certain things is born from many circumstances. It may appear from the sad memories of the past, mistakes that we regret to the fear of failures.
In the study of psychology, thinking about something constantly is known as overthinking. Overthinking can be a form of rumination when it is associated with constant memories of the past, and excessive worry, if it is related to the future.
Overthinking is a term that is often aimed at people who think too much. But do not mistakenly equate it with thinkers, people who overthinking often think of trivial things excessively.
Research explains many overthinkers feel this habit will better assist them in understanding the situation from many sides.
Overthinking is also considered normal. In fact, a study from the University of Michigan found that 52 percent of middle-aged people aged 45 to 55 think too much of a problem or experience overthinking. Similarly, about 73 percent of adults aged 25 to 35 years are stuck in the same problem.
The thing that is not realized, overthinking will not make the problem lighter. Overthinking is not a temporary disorder, but it can have an impact on your mental health in the future.
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How does overthinking affect our health physically and mentally?
Trapped in remorse from the past and too fixated on the scenario “what if …” every time you want to give a decision often experienced by the overthinker. Not infrequently the various possibilities that occurred to me were bad scenarios that would not necessarily occur. In fact, the problems faced are also not as heavy as thought.
1. Overthinking will mess with our instincts
An assistant clinical professor from the NYU Langone Health psychiatry department, Laura Price, said that overthinking makes our instincts do not work optimally and instead will lead to the selection of the wrong decision.
2. Overthinking can lead us into a paralysis situation
You will fall into a paralysis analysis situation, where you keep thinking about something repeatedly without being able to find a solution. Not only a waste of time, your energy is also drained and this can prevent you from doing anything. This is exactly what happened to me a few days ago. I couldn’t function well. I felt so drained. As a result, I didn’t get anything done for my website.
3. Overthinking can disturb our brain functions
A study conducted in the UK also states that overthinking will have a negative impact on your creativity. This is related to better brain work when cognitive processes are calm. The more often you overthink, the greater the mental barriers that make you despair and unable to think more creatively.
When this is left too long, your brain will get used to worrying about the pros and cons of something you have done. Not only results in mental health, but excessive worry can also have an impact on your physical health.
Thinking about something continuously and for a long duration has the potential to damage parts of the brain associated with memory and emotions.
Overthinking, in many circumstances can trigger stress, which stimulates the release of the hormone cortisol in the body. This hormone cortisol has the potential to damage brain cells in the hippocampus.
If someone is constantly thinking about something, to the point of disturbing his or her emotional state, it risks changing the structure and connectivity of the brain.
Studies from the University of California, Berkeley also show that chronic stress due to rumination and excessive worry can lead to anxiety disorders and mood disorders later in life.
Also read: 5 MINUTE MEDITATION TO RELIEVE STRESS
4. Overthinking can cause digestive disorder
Stress caused by overthinking can disrupt the digestive system. Digestive problems occur for example in the form of inflammation of the stomach, stomach irritation syndrome, gastric secretion, so that it can trigger changes in the stomach microbiota.
Physiologic stress can trigger excessive stomach acid, as a result, stomach activity becomes disrupted, it can even cause gastric leakage.
5. Overthinking increases the risk of cardiovascular problems
Excessive rumors and worries can risk triggering heart disease. Diseases due to stress and overthinking that can occur are chest pain, tachycardia, to mild headaches. If it occurs prolonged, overthinking can also worsen heart health.
About a quarter of patients with cardiovascular disorders have a history of anxiety due to excessive worry. Likewise, heart attacks have a strong correlation between stress and depression.
6. Overthinking can damage our skin
Excessive anxiety, stress, and overthinking have a bad effect on the health of the skin’s surface. One of the acute skin diseases due to stress is psoriasis, which is caused by a weakening of the body’s metabolism due to too many thoughts and ruminations.
Atopic dermatitis, pruritus, alopecia, areata, and seborrheic dermatitis, can also arise due to the influence of stress. Stress can also cause skin inflammation, disrupt the endocrine system, and weakening of the immune system. The most striking result is a skin infection.
Also read: Can Stress Cause Skin Rash? – Get Rid of STRESS RASH
7. Overthinking can make us sleepless
The brain that is constantly forced to think makes it difficult to close the eyes. Worries will make it even more difficult for your body to calm down.
Most of us know that the adverse effects due to lack of sleep are having a lack of energy which is needed to undergo our day-to-day activities.
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8. Overthinking will also mess with our blood sugar
The effects of frequent overthinking can be stressful. That’s when the central nervous system in the body will send signals to the adrenal glands to release the hormone adrenaline and cortisol. The release of these two hormones affects the production of blood sugar from the liver which later is useful for energizing.
Unfortunately, if energy is not used, the body will absorb blood sugar again. As a result, these processes cause effects such as increased heart rate, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, hasty breathing to disturb concentration.
What can be done to reduce overthinking?
If you are someone like me who has overthinking habits, you can do some of these habits to reduce your overthinking habits:
1. Control your mind
The first thing you can do to reduce overthinking habits is that you can control your mind. You can suggest yourself to always think positive.
Always trying to think positively will help you to reduce the impact of overthinking on health. Give a time limit so that you don’t think about something over and over again.
Remember, it is impossible to return the time that has passed, and do not worry about what will happen tomorrow, because we live in the present.
If we are skilled at mastering our own mind, then we can focus more on what you are doing.
Just like other skills, mastering the mind requires practice and over time, it can help overcome overthinking.
Also read: BEST Vitamins and Supplements for STRESS
2. Reflect on yourself and learn from mistakes
The impact of overthinking on health you must understand and strive to always do things that can help you reduce your bad habit of overthinking.
One effort that can be done is to reflect on yourself and learn from mistakes. If you have felt the impact of overthinking, you should begin to reflect on yourself and learn from the mistakes that the impact of overthinking will be detrimental to your health in the future.
Keeping a problem for too long can make you an unproductive person, but this problem can be helped by making a brief reflection.
Take 20 minutes to “me time” in your daily schedule. During that period, allow yourself to dwell on your thoughts or think about whatever you want.
When it’s over, move to another place and do something that makes your heart happy.
Also read: TOP FREE MEDITATION APPS – Better Sleep, Relax, Focus
3. Realizing that a bad scenario in your mind is just excessive worry
You must begin to realize that something bad that arises in your mind is only the result of your excessive worry and realize that it is not good for your physical and mental health.
Humans are generally prone to negative thoughts. So don’t assume or fast conclude that missing a deadline at work can get you fired because that’s where you are overpowered by overthinking.
Remember, emotions can interfere with your ability to see a situation objectively.
4. Exercise regularly
This one activity can certainly reduce the impact of overthinking on your health, and of course, can make your bad thoughts about something will be reduced. Divert the habit of overthinking by going out and doing activities that you enjoy.
Sports such as swimming and running can be an option to rest your mind for a moment. Do exercise regularly so that your overthinking habit will slowly decrease.
Also read: 10 BEST WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS
5. Focus on Solutions
Always direct your mind to the “way out”, so that the problem can be solved precisely and as soon as possible. If you feel that the problem can be controlled, then the next step is that you should be able to prevent it from happening again.
Challenge yourself to take some options, just in case the first solution doesn’t go according to plan. You still have second and third plans.
Try to focus on things that you can control, such as your attitude and efforts.
If it involves something that you cannot control, such as a natural disaster, think of strategies you can use to overcome it.
Bottom Line
Excessive thinking or overthinking can be a bad habit. This situation causes someone to often think about things that are not necessarily true or useful.
Overthinkers (people who like to think too much) generally always repeat the conversation they had yesterday, second-guessing every decision they make, or imagine a disaster can happen every day.
Overthinking also tends to prevent humans from solving a problem and sometimes becomes a mood destroyer.
So guys, apply these habits that can reduce the impact of overthinking on your health. Let’s work together to be better and build that confidence along with positive attitudes.
Stay safe, happy, and healthy y’all!
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We Stress Free does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, if you need someone to talk to and want to make friends, please feel free to reach me at ferra@westressfree.com. If you would like to REDUCE your STRESS and are interested to do an ONLINE THERAPY, you can do so here.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Thank you for reading today’s topic: The Negative Effects of OVERTHINKING – What Does It Do To Our Health?
I was the most laid back and stress free person around until I reached 50 and then it all changed. Before as soon as my head hit the pillow I would be asleep. Now I toss and turn for hours overthinking things of absolutely no consequence. It is very frustrating and is affecting my health now. I’m going to look into the meditation you suggested. I will also share your article with some friends.
Lisa,
Glad you found this article useful. Thank you for your kind comment.
I hope you started to feel the benefits of meditation. Start small from 5 minutes and then improve the intensity into 20 to 30 minutes.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
This is really a good set of information. Is so true about the analysis paralysis. The thinking of the “what ifs” in excess really make your creativity fade down and truly it also creates other physical consequences.
It is really good to take your advise on the good practices to overcome overthinking, really good material to bookmark and share, as no one from our circles is free from this.
Thank you.
Hi Pablo,
Glad you found this article useful. Thank you for your kind comment.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. So much of it resonated with me because I struggle with overthinking.
I always worry about worst-case scenarios sometimes, such as “What if this event happens a year from now?” It may or may not, and I know I have to stick to the present day. Luckily, I’ve learned overtime not to worry too much. But it does get under my skin on my bad days.
At least I keep my thoughts under control some days. I practice meditation and exercise a couple of days each week. So doing these activities does help calm my mind, and feel more positive.
It was an excellent overview of an important topic. Thank you very much- I enjoyed reading it.
Hi Eric,
Glad you found this article enjoyable to read and useful. Thank you for your kind comment.
Great job in controlling your own thoughts by doing meditation. Keep at it! 🙂
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
What a great article ! So much relevant information . Its so easy to get caught up on the merry go round of overthinking that you forget at times to get off ! Thanks Ferra for a very informative article .
Amera,
Thank you for your kind comment. I really appreciate it!
Glad you found this post useful.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
I love this article; I did not realise how much overthinking can have negative impacts on your health. It is a very well researched article with lots of new information. Personally, overthinking ruins my sleep, I will stay awake for hours thinking through problems. I shall take your advice regarding this problem. Thank you for sharing.
Thomas,
Thank you for your kind comment. I really appreciate it!
Glad you found this post useful. I hope you can get enough sleep because getting lack of sleep won’t make you feel better. Lack of sleep will only raise the level of anxiety and stress.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
Hello dear, thanks for sharing these concise article about over thinking I believe its not good for the health so as you said I believe you are the best, your hints on how to stop over thinking is amazing, thanks for the info I’ll surely do some recommendations, your website is the besti
Hi there,
Glad you found this article useful. Thank you for your kind comment.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
Splendid article on the negative effects of overthinking…. overthinking comes with a lot of repercussions such as headache, depression,stress and even high blood pressure…it will be healthy if you will be able keep to these tips to help overcome overthinking…hope you find them useful…
Thanks for the awesome article and I really love to see more
Hi Evans,
Glad you found this article useful. Thank you for your kind comment.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
Hello there, I must commend you on this article.
I felt like you are discussing me! I overthink alot, things that might probably never happen in my lifetime. Currently I have experiencing severe anxiety and I am struggling to get out of it, I have constant headache and chest pain which might be sign of heart disease. But I will follow your tips and see how it helps me . Thanks
Hi Lizzy,
Glad you found this article useful. Thank you for your kind comment.
Hope by following the tips you’ll have more control of your own thoughts and feel better. 🙂
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
Heloo Dear, this is really a nice piece on the article titled The negative effects of over thinking and what it does to our health. It’s very certain that overthinking has no good to our health but rather negative consequences which might result to some serious predicaments. I have been a victim of this before, of which it never resulted to anything good but rather I became very sick. Anyways thanks for sharing this amazing tips
Hi Sheddy,
Glad you found this article useful. Thank you for your kind comment.
I appreciate you also share your own experience.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
Thank you so much for this article, Ferra. Overthinking can certainly be a silent killer, akin to stress itself and carbon monoxide. We, as humans, are often perfectionists, and we like to feel like we’re always in control of every situation. When things fall beyond our grasp, we tend to overthink things to compensate for the fact that we don’t have all of the answers. We must do the best that we can, let go, let God do what we can’t, and keep moving forward. God bless you!
C.N.,
Thank you for your kind comment. I really appreciate it!
Glad you found this post useful.
Yes, you’re right. Overthinking can be a silent killer that kills us from inside. It only makes situations worse.
Stay safe, happy and healthy! God bless you too!
Ferra
Hi,
Thanks for the information. I have suffered with anxiety for most of my life, specifically OCD, which has caused a lot of stress and insomnia. I was on anxiety medication for over 10 years, and I’m finally off of it.
My anxiety used to be the most severe during the night, when I felt really alone and no one else was awake to talk. My mind would race from one topic to the next, and I would get more and more anxious.
What has helped me the most is that I don’t worry about things that are outside of my control. I do my best to control the things that I’m able to influence, and then the rest is not up to me. I know it sounds simple, but it took me a while to be able to get to this point.
Other things that I find helpful are:
1.) Talking to someone (if you can) while it’s happening about what is going on.
2.) If you are feeling overwhelmed, write things down on paper so that you can take care of things in a logical manner.
3.) I like to run and work out when I’m able to, and it seems to help.
Cheers,
Ian
Ian,
Thank you for your kind comment and sharing tips on how you overcome overthinking. I really appreciate it!
Someone in our family suffers from PTSD and excessive anxiety. So, I understand what you’re saying. Getting to sleep at night is never easy for him. Family supports is one thing that helps him to see a bright side from an unfortunate event. Words like “we’ll figure it out together, or everything is going to be alright” along with warm and loving hug can help to calm him down. But again, the rest is up to him. Control what we can control.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
Thank you for this insightful article and offering great options to reduce over thinking. As an artist I am fortunate to always practice creativity which truly helps when it comes to problem solving which I think a lot of people underestimate. My vocal coach once said to me ‘for every decision we have to make we immediately have the answer. It’s a gut feeling. But the pros and cons and being reasonable and who would get hurt in the process – is what keeps us from catching that first pure answer’
Since then I practice catching it and it did indeed get better over time. It is what you refer to as ‘instinct’ in your article. All of this to say I enjoyed learning about the negative effects which encourage me that much more to think less ! 🙂
Betina,
Thank you for your kind comment and for sharing your vocal coach words of wisdom.🙂 I really appreciate it!
Glad you enjoyed reading this article and you found it useful.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
I love your site! This article is very informative and I can definitely relate to the information as I am most definitely an over thinker. I can totally relate to the state of paralysis when I overthink everything. This is especially a great article to read while living through a pandemic. I haven’t been able to focus on WA much at all these past few weeks and I think I have been overthinking the whole process and felt this mental block for weeks. Crazy! I think exercise is absolutely the best thing, that and spending time in nature. Personally, I don’t completely agree with trying to always stay positive. In the context of this article, I understand what you mean, I think, but I believe there is also true value in letting negative emotions happen. I think it very important to process sadness and grief etc. and not push it aside by simply trying to think positively.
Manuela,
Thank you for your kind comment. I really appreciate it!
Glad you enjoyed reading this article and you found it useful.
I am like you. I tend to overthink everything. I’ll be in a mental block state for days. So, my husband is the one who always reminds me of all the positive things I’ve done and that everything is going to be alright.
I do agree with you regarding not to suppress negative emotions because emotions like anger, sadness, etc they are healthy emotions too. It never be good to keep those emotions bottled up. Instead, we acknowledge those feelings and then redirect our way of thinking to be more positive. That way, we can reprogram our mind to start bringing back happy and positive thoughts to avoid negative thoughts that destroy our inner peace.
Stay safe, happy and healthy!
Ferra
Overthinking is not good because this can also lead to stress and to other health-related issues. Our brains can only process or take so much before there are burnout and meltdown. Overthinking will not help the process but can make it more unclear. It is better to give our brains a chance to rest by focusing on other things that relax the brain and then coming back with a fresh insight that will help us.
Hello Norman,
Thank you for stopping by my website, reading the post, and leaving a kind comment.
I appreciate you for sharing your thoughts and support.
Glad to hear that you found this post useful.
Stay safe, happy, and healthy!
Ferra
This article is really an eyeopener as many of us do not think about the negative effects that overthinking has on our health. I enjoyed reading this and getting a clear understanding of what is going on in ours bodies mentally and physically when we overthink. Personally, I am not a great over thinker, but I do and sometimes practice suggestion #2, reflect on yourself and learn from your mistakes. The article in well organized and easy to read and understand. I have bookmarked it to share with others who overthink but do not call it that. Thank you
Hello Patricia,
Thank you for stopping by my website, reading the post, and leaving a kind comment.
I appreciate you for sharing your thoughts and support.
Glad to hear that you found this post useful.
Stay safe, happy, and healthy!
Ferra