Overthinking - can it ever be a positive?

I have always been an over thinker, someone who is analytical, curious and with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Even throughout childhood, ‘why’ was my favourite question. I struggled with the ‘just because’ facts of life and have always needed to apply meaning and greater context to things. Switching my brain off is very difficult and the fact I am classed as an INFJ (MBriggs personality testing) has always resonated with me, this typology outlines that I am happy in my internal world, like to daydream and create with my thoughts and enjoy metacognition. However, those who also have a tendancy to overthink will know that the negative side of this is that it can spill over into over analysing, deriving meaning where there is none, attempting to over plan, in feelings of fear, anxiety and overwhelm.

When at my worst, the latter becomes an engrained way of being for me, delivering me on a downward spiral quickly. Amplified by the misconception I have held for the majority of my life that feelings are fact and it is my job to face and solve these thoughts and problems.

It has also concurrently become a stick for others to beat me with - speaking about my propensity to overthink, analyse and contemplate as negative and even deserving of unhappiness. Almost a feeling of why cant you just be lighthearted, happy and free. This belief held by others has over time stealthily become one of my own, part of my identity.

I can of course be both light and dark, happy and unhappy, free and duty bound. But when introspection takes over and I am not living my life authentically it can be difficult for me to find a way out of this ever decreasing circle of thoughts as they coil around my mind and take hold.

Upon deciding to face I did some light reading and everywhere you look are quotes that confirm that overthinking is a negative trait.

So I tried. I beat myself up as there was something wrong with me that I couldn’t stop enjoying contemplation.

However - I have come to realise I ADORE thinking. Having studied psychology, sociology, become a teacher, worked with SEND children - the mind is an undeniable passion of mine.

So I plan to continue ‘overthinking’ - it informs my incredibly keen intuition, compassion and appreciation of a multitude of experiences.

The changes I have made to ensure that my love of thinking is healthy for me are:

🧠 When an upsetting thought or problem reoccurs and brings sadness or anxiety I say it aloud to someone. Facing it releases the negative energy and support or a different perspective ensures I feel resilient.

🧠I now allow myself more time for my passions, placing my focus on the things I have denied myself for so long because I have not felt deserving of living a happy fulfilled life. This means that I am more present when doing something I enjoy and my brain is less idle and less likely to ruminate, as it so enjoys to do!

🧠 I am trying to observe my thoughts…’hmm you’re thinking about that again.’

This makes me either take action or look closer at why I may be thinking about something.

Doing these 3 things has helped me hugely in the last 2 weeks and meant I am letting go of more and more and enjoying what the universe has in store for me each day.💫

you embrace your ability to think and think again?