Do you run through past events over and over in your head, thinking about what went right or wrong, and how you could have made it better? While a little self-reflection is fine, overanalyzing each and every situation at work, in your relationship, or over your exercise or diet routine can sabotage you. The more you ruminate over past events, that are unchangeable, the more you look at present and future events through a negative lens. Let's start 2012 on a Guiltless track and stop overanalyzing right.now.
- Take action If possible come up with a solid solution for the problem. You can’t change history but if you shift your focus on things that can be addressed, you can start to move on. For example, if you're dwelling on the number on the scale, don't beat your self up. Instead get moving, try a new sport, start to think about your relationship towards food. take positive steps in the right direction instead of wallowing in your past.
- Take attention off the issue But not just by watching mindless television or going on a shopping spree. Instead do an activity that will keep you mind engaged and involves social interaction if possible. Great ways to set your mind free are sports like tennis, board games with your family or a nature walk with a friend.
- Be mindful Your thoughts do not have to control you. Pause. Be Mindful. Focus on the present moment without any judgment. Notice your thoughts, but let them go without judgment like branches being swept away in a stream.
- Patience Don’t beat yourself up because overanalyzing is tough to beat. While these steps will help you to break down the negative track in your mind, they do take time and practice to be effective.
Just like diet and lifestyle changes, breaking away from negative self-talk is a journey.While avoiding overanalyzing it’s important that you
don’t overgeneralize (My date last night was awful-i'll never find love) or
disqualify the positive (I feel great sticking to my exercise plan this week, but I drank a little too much last night) or
thinking in all black and white terms (I can never eat my mother’s cookies ever again). Stick to these ways to break the overanalyzing track, and you’ll start to see your present and future in a much brighter light. Stay Guiltless!
