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Overthinking can have dangerous effects

How many times have you caught yourself ruminating interminably about that blind date you have coming up, that big presentation you're scheduled to deliver at work in a few weeks, or that doctor's appointment you've been pushing back for months now?

Overthinking can have corrosive effects on us. Not only does it build anxiety, but it can negatively affect our sleeping routines, eating habits, relationships, and self-esteem.

And the worst part about it? Overthinking solves nothing. Sure, a little angst is healthy, but brooding over things that have not yet come to pass won't in any way affect the outcome.

Most people will admit to dreaming up doomsday scenarios in their head that never even come to pass. Our negative thoughts, in effect, can run rampant.

This can trap us in a vicious cycle that can be very difficult to come out of. When you're anxious, you lose your zest for life. As is the case with depression, you may turn down others' invitations to go out, preferring instead to lie in bed all day and nosh on fattening foods. You avoid hobbies and may even turn to the bottle (or illegal drugs) to help you cope.

As difficult as it may be -- and this may take practice -- train your mind to stay focused on the present as much as possible. The more you remain preoccupied with the here and now, the less likely it is that your mind will wade into troublesome territory.

In fact, get yourself in the habit of "overthinking" only about things that are mentally enriching and don't necessarily involve yourself or anyone else -- from history to the cosmos to nature. Try your hand at mentally vigorous exercises like Sudoku, vocabulary quizzes, and others.

Or, if you just want to disconnect entirely to relieve the anxiety, take a walk, nap, or a trip to your local theater and spring for a flick.

Rather than worrying that you'll bomb the presentation, receive bad health news, or leave an unfavorable impression on your date, why not consider the possibility of things going well for you?

I'm not against "hoping for the best and preparing for the worst" so long as the prospect of things going badly doesn't eat you up in the days leading up to the occasion.

Whatever happens, believe in yourself. Take a deep breath and stop those racing thoughts. Assure yourself that no matter the outcome, you'll get through it. And don't be reluctant to reach out to loved ones for support.

Once again, fixating on the future won't change the outcome. Planning for the future is one thing; worrying incessantly over something that may very well turn out just fine is another.
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