2023
FA L L | W I N T E R
I S S U E
OV E RT H I N K I N G by: Rumonda D. Adams
Overthinking, is the act of dwelling excessively on thoughts, can paralyze progress and hinder personal growth. In this article, we explore the harmful effects of overthinking and provide strategies to break free from its grip, drawing inspiration from the scripture found in Philippians 4:8-9 (MSG), Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Overthinking involves deeply thinking on thoughts to the point where they become beliefs that shape our reality. It’s an all-too-common challenge, often fueled by stress, anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma, and self-doubt. Regardless of your personal triggers, it’s important to recognize that everyone occasionally succumbs to overthinking. Identifying the signs is crucial: repetitive thoughts, sleepless nights due to worry, decision-making struggles, and second-guessing choices are all indicators. Overthinking can take a toll on your mood and overall well-being, making self-awareness the key to transforming your mindset. The consequences of overthinking are significant and detrimental. It saps your positive energy, traps you in problem-focused thinking rather than seeking solutions, and can severely damage your mental health. Philippians 4:8-9 (MSG) offers profound wisdom for conquering overthinking. It encourages us to focus our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable—the qualities that align with positive thinking and mental well-being.
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It advises us to meditate on the best rather than the worst in life and to find comfort in God. Here are some practical steps, inspired by Philippians 4:8-9, to help you overcome overthinking: 1. Identify Negative Thought Patterns: Start by recognizing when you’re engaging in negative or repetitive thinking. Awareness is the first step towards change. 2. Challenge Negative Beliefs: Question the validity of your thoughts and beliefs. Are they based on facts or mere assumptions? 3. Cultivate Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present and prevent your mind from wandering into the overthinking abyss. 4. Seek Support: Sharing your overthinking tendencies with friends, family, or a therapist can provide valuable perspective and support. 5. Reframe Your Thoughts: Actively replace negative thoughts with positive or constructive ones when they arise. 6. Engage in Positive Activities: Pursue hobbies, exercise, and activities that bring joy and positivity into your life. 7. Deepen Your Faith: Find comfort and strength as recommended in Philippians 4:8-9. Overthinking can be a crippling habit, robbing you of energy and affecting your mental health. However, with the guidance of Philippians 4:8-9 and practical strategies, you can liberate yourself from this cycle and cultivate a more positive and fulfilling mindset. Remember that change takes time and effort, but the journey towards a healthier thought pattern is well worth it. Break free from the shackles of overthinking and discover a path to inner peace and well-being.
