Photo by Nikko Macaspac on Unsplash

I feel that literally, everyone can relate to this picture at some point in our lives.

In spite of your age, gender, occupation, cultural background, and even, your belief system, surely all of us have felt that. That overwhelming feeling that life is hitting us so hard, or life is absolutely absurd and unfair. I will be the first one to admit this about myself, and the main contributing factor was just overthinking about things around me. Hey, come on, I mean, we tend to overthink about the littlest things like in getting a Christmas card, a birthday gift, and even, a pair of heels/shoes. Wait, even a parking spot in the mall!

For years, I have struggled through this cyclical journey of ruminating about my shortcomings, mistakes and problems around me. Even for those that were never in the picture at all, but thanks to my overthinking mind and sleepless nights. To make things worse, being a teacher actually heightened this unhealthy way of thinking and reasoning.

What if he/she feels unhappy about my idea?
What if I couldn't meet his/her expectations?
What if his/her parents disagree with me?
How would it benefit everyone in the class/school?
Is this acceptable or achievable to even begin with?
What should I do if it turns out to be a disaster?
Will they enjoy my lessons?
How should I tell them without feeling guilty?
Why am I even doing this?

I just couldn't stop myself, and I knew I was trapped in this horrible pit. My insane inner monologues were both distressing and corrupting. Although I achieved so much at work and was given so many credits and compliments, it eventually started to take a toll on my health and emotional well-being. LIKE DUH. These dangerous inner monologues even overpowered my friendships and romantic relationships.

Photo by Hailey Kean on Unsplash

Nonetheless, God's faithfulness prevails. It was a gradual cleansing process of putting an end to my catastrophic habit of overthinking. So, the question here is... How did I free myself from overthinking? How did I do it? Here are some ways that I would recommend based on my experiences.

1. Letting go

Mistakes happen. Stop beating yourself up and crying over spilled milk. We need to accept that we can never undo the past but we can always appreciate what still remains now and look forward to what is coming our way. My former boss always reminds me that we are the authors of our present and future, so make it a wonderful one and only look back when you need a reminder to be wiser.

2. Developing a wider perspective

Ask yourself, will this 5-minutes problem really matter in 5 years, 10 years? Or even one week? Gosh, this was my biggest slap in the face when one of my closest colleagues asked me after a meeting with the leadership team. I was left dumbfounded. Well, I definitely needed that slap to shut down overthinking.

3. Valuing progress over perfection

Okay, if you have worked with me personally, you would know that I have the all-time favourite condition called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In short, OCD. My classroom displays NEED to be perfect. The books and papers on my desk NEED to be aligned. My presentation slides NEED to be flawless. While these are greatly admirable, it should be done with the right awareness and mindset. Aiming for perfection is unrealistic, nonviable and exhausting. Having said so, valuing your progress and the little moments will set you up for your 'perfect ambition'.

4. Trust your bestest friends and colleagues

If they tell you that you need a big piece of hot molten chocolate cake, stop grumbling because you need it. Talking and listening to your bestest friends and colleagues distract your attention from overthinking. Thoughts like "you are not good enough", "you are not smart enough", "you are not dedicated enough" and many more will be dismantled and refocused positively. I have and need to do a shout-out here for them! Should I? Meh. Overthinking? LOL

5. Slow down, be grateful... and have a cup of coffee :)

Gratitude has the power to instantly shift our dreadful thinking. Moreover, unfaltering 'force' to be grateful and mindful of things around you and in you can and will decrease overthinking. Some people may like it to be written in gratitude journals. Some may like it to be posted on their Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram accounts. Some may like to do it in front of the mirror every morning. Whatever that you prefer, for as long as you are not meditating about yesterday's situation or worrying about tomorrow, you are one step closer to having a renewed mind. Do not forget that a cup of good coffee is the epitome of exuberant joy.

Coffee - The liquid hug to my brain

Thank you for reading my post today! Hope you enjoyed reading it :)