9 things you’re doing without realizing that show you’re an overthinker

Sometimes we do things without even realizing what they mean about us.

One of these things is overthinking. It’s something I’ve been guilty of, and I bet you have, too.

You may not even notice it, but it’s there, lurking in the shadowy corners of your mind.

Overthinking is when you dwell too much on a single thought or over-analyze situations, conversations or events. It’s when your mind takes a small idea and turns it into a complex web of possibilities.

And guess what? There are subtle signs that show you’re an overthinker, even if you don’t realize it.

Here are nine things you might be doing without realizing that actually show you’re an overthinker.

1) You’re constantly replaying past conversations

We’ve all had those moments where we wish we could travel back in time and change what was said in a conversation.

Yet, for overthinkers, this is a regular occurrence. They find themselves constantly replaying interactions and analyzing every word that was said.

This doesn’t just apply to contentious or significant conversations either. Even the most mundane of chats can become a source of intense scrutiny.

You might be thinking about that joke you made at lunch, wondering if it landed well, or if people were just being polite with their laughter.

Or maybe you’re dissecting a work meeting, questioning whether your input was valuable or just a waste of time.

If you find yourself frequently revisiting past discussions and analyzing them to the nth degree, it’s a clear sign you’re an overthinker.

2) You struggle with decision-making

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood in the grocery store aisle, torn between two brands of cereal.

I mean, they’re just cereal, right? But there I am, weighing the pros and cons, considering the price, nutritional value, taste, even the design of the box.

In reality, it’s not about the cereal. It’s about the fear of making a wrong decision, no matter how small or insignificant it is.

If you’re like me and find yourself frequently paralyzed by decisions – big or small – it’s likely you’re an overthinker.

Overthinking often leads to decision paralysis because you’re constantly considering every possible outcome and potential repercussion.

The truth is, not every decision requires a pro/con list or a deep dive into possible outcomes. Sometimes, it’s okay to just pick a box of cereal and move on.

3) You have trouble sleeping

Overthinking often comes to the fore when you’re trying to sleep.

Your body is tired, but your mind is in overdrive, analyzing past events, worrying about future ones, and creating an endless stream of ‘what ifs’.

According to a study, overthinkers are more likely to suffer from insomnia.

They often find themselves lying awake at night, their minds churning over worries and anxieties that prevent them from drifting into a peaceful slumber.

It’s important to remember that a good night’s sleep is vital for our mental and physical health. Techniques such as meditation, reading, or listening to calming music can help quiet the mind before bedtime.

4) You’re always thinking about the worst-case scenario

When presented with a situation, do you immediately jump to the worst possible outcome?

This is a classic sign of overthinking.

Imagine you send a text to a friend, and they don’t respond immediately.

Instead of considering that they might be busy or away from their phone, you start worrying that you’ve upset them or they’re ignoring you on purpose.

This automatic shift towards negative thinking can be draining and often leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

5) You second guess yourself constantly

Overthinkers often have a hard time trusting their instincts.

This can lead to constant second-guessing, even after a decision is made.

For instance, you might have just finished a project at work and instead of feeling accomplished, you’re questioning every detail.

Was the presentation good enough? Should you have included more data? Did you make the right points?

This lack of self-trust can be exhausting and often undermines your confidence. It’s crucial to remember that nobody is perfect.

Trust yourself, believe in your decisions and give yourself credit for your efforts.

6) You often feel overwhelmed

Sometimes, overthinking can make you feel as though you’re drowning in a sea of thoughts.

It can be overwhelming when your mind is constantly racing, dissecting every aspect of your life.

You might have a simple task to do, like planning a dinner with friends. But instead of looking forward to it, you’re overwhelmed by all the details.

What if no one likes the restaurant you pick? What if the conversation is awkward? What if they don’t have a good time?

Feeling overwhelmed often is a sign that you’re an overthinker.

It’s okay to take a step back, breathe, and simplify things. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable. And in the end, the most important thing is sharing moments with people you care about.

7) You struggle with letting things go

I remember a time when I couldn’t let go of a mistake I made at work. It was a small oversight, but it kept replaying in my mind like a broken record.

I was worried about what my colleagues thought of me, and I kept beating myself up about it.

This is a common trait among overthinkers. They tend to dwell on past mistakes or events, obsessing over them long after they’ve happened.

This constant rumination can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and self-doubt.

Everyone makes mistakes. They’re a part of life and they’re how we learn and grow.

Don’t let your past hold you back from your future.

8) You often seek reassurance from others

Overthinkers often have a hard time trusting their judgement.

This can lead them to constantly seek reassurance from others.

You might find yourself asking others for their opinion or approval before making a decision. Or you might constantly check in with people to make sure they’re not upset with you.

While it’s perfectly normal to seek advice or reassurance occasionally, constantly doing so can be a sign of overthinking.

9) It’s affecting your quality of life

Overthinking can start to affect your daily life and overall well-being.

You might find it hard to concentrate, feel anxious, or even struggle with physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.

If overthinking is causing you distress or interfering with your life, it’s okay to seek help.

There are many resources available, from self-help books to professional counseling. You don’t have to navigate this on your own.

It’s all about balance

Life is a constant juggle between thought and action.

While it’s essential to reflect on our choices and their potential consequences, it’s equally important not to let our thoughts paralyze us.

The human brain is an incredible machine, capable of complex thought and deep analysis.

However, when this ability turns into overthinking, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and a decrease in productivity and well-being.

The key is to find balance. It’s okay to think things through, but it’s also important to trust yourself and take decisive action when necessary.

In the end, life isn’t just about the thoughts we think but also about the moments we live fully. So let’s aim to live more and think less. After all, every moment spent overthinking is a moment lost in living.