Are you an overthinking person ? If you’re not sure, try answering these questions: Does your mind never keep quiet? Does it keep on chattering, blabbering and even exaggerating the thoughts to the point of being ‘unrealistic’? One minute you’re replaying a conversation between you and someone, the next, your mind creates wild scenarios that leave you feeling worried and stressed. It’s like your brain is weaving a web, and you’re stuck right in the center of it. Does any of this sound familiar? If so, you may be an overthinker. Overthinking is often brushed off as harmless, but it’s a silent disease that affects both our mind and body. So let’s unpack overthinking further, what it can do to us and how we can employ a simple yet powerful technique to break free from it. What Is Overthinking? Overthinking is when your mind goes into overdrive, replaying past events or imagining endless possibilities of what could go wrong. It’s not just mental – it can manifest physically too. Muscle tension, stiffness, unexplained body aches—these are often linked to overthinking. In my clinic, I see this pattern often. Patients come with physical complaints, but their tests are normal. When I ask, “Do you overthink a lot?” the answer is usually yes. The mind and body are deeply connected. When your mind spirals, your body feels the impact. A Personal Revelation To be very honest, I used to be an overthinker myself. But two things changed that: I became too busy to indulge in overthinking, thanks to my work and the people around me. I stumbled upon a powerful verse from the Bhagavad Gita: उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्। आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥ “uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet ātmaiva hyātmano bandhurātmaiva ripurātmanah” (Chapter 6, Verse 5) “Uplift yourself through the power of your mind, and do not degrade yourself, for the mind can serve as both your friend and your enemy.” This shloka beautifully reminds us of the immense power our mind holds. When trained, it can elevate us; when uncontrolled, it can weigh us down. This verse was a turning point for me. It reminded me of a simple truth: You hold the key to your mind. Your mind can uplift you or pull you down. The choice is yours. Why Do We Overthink? Overthinking is often a result of fear – fear of the unknown, failure or making the wrong decision. But here’s the irony: most of the scenarios you imagine never actually happen. Overthinking is like carrying an umbrella on a sunny day, worrying that it might rain. A Powerful Technique to Stop Overthinking You train your body by eating right and exercising. Similarly, you can train your mind. Here’s a simple guided meditation technique I recommend to my patients. It’s not a direct solution to overthinking but a way to understand your mind’s power. Follow these steps: Close your eyes and listen to the instructions carefully. Imagine a green cricket field. It’s vast, empty, and peaceful. Picture a batsman in yellow – a yellow shirt and yellow pants – batting alone. Now, switch your focus to a blue ocean. It’s calm and vast. At the farthest point, the orange sun is setting. Picture this serene scene. Next, think of a little girl in a white dress. She’s running joyfully in a garden filled with red flowers. Picture her laughter and her carefree nature. Open your eyes. What did you realize? When I asked you to think of the green field, you did. When I switched to the blue ocean, you followed. And when I introduced the girl, you moved on effortlessly. You switched your thoughts in seconds. This is the power of your mind. Your mind can shift from one thought to another with ease. The next time you find yourself stuck in a loop of overthinking, practice this technique. Shift your focus to a positive or calming thought. Why This Technique Works This exercise shows you that: You are not your thoughts. Just like the batsman, ocean, or little girl, your thoughts are separate from you. Your mind can be trained. With practice, you can move away from negative patterns and choose better ones. The Mind Is a Friend or Foe The Bhagavad Gita says it best: “Your mind is your closest friend and your worst enemy.” When you let your mind control you, it can create chaos. But when you take charge, it becomes your greatest ally. Start small. Whenever you catch yourself overthinking, say to yourself: I control my mind. My mind does not control me. 7 Tips to Break Free from Overthinking Practice mindfulness Live in the moment. Focus on the present rather than worrying about the past or future. Write it down Sometimes, putting your thoughts on paper helps you see them clearly. You might even laugh at how exaggerated they seem! Shift your perspective Ask yourself: Will this matter in a year? Take action Overthinking often stems from indecision. Make a small step toward resolving the issue. Limit distractions A disorganised environment can lead to a disorganised mind. Simplify your surroundings. Move your body Exercise helps release pent-up stress and clears your mind. Practice gratitude Focusing on what you’re thankful for can shift your thoughts from worry to appreciation. You can even try gratitude journaling. Overthinking doesn’t solve problems; it creates them. Remember, your mind is powerful. It can build mountains or molehills. It can create storms or calm seas. You have the ability to choose. Control your thoughts before they control you. And the next time you catch yourself spiraling, try the green field, blue ocean, and little girl exercise. It’s a small but powerful step toward a calmer, more focused mind. Let your mind be your friend, not your foe. You deserve peace. If you are struggling with any… Continue reading Overthinking – The Silent Ailment