Sometimes, it happens to the best of us: anxiety and overthinking. But during the recovery process, being constantly anxious and over thinking things could prove to be detrimental to the recovery process. So here are the steps you have to take in order to overcome anxious thoughts during recovery.
What Is Overthinking?
First of all, what exactly is overthinking? Over thinking simply means that a person spends far too much time thinking about solutions to problems that have already occurred in the past or are about to happen in the future. Introspection during the recovery process is a natural thing. In fact, it’s essential. But thinking about things to the point of immobility is detrimental to the recovery process and can even make a recovering addict more anxious than ever.
How Does Anxiety and Overthinking Sabotage the Recovery Process?
Although thinking about possible negative outcomes can be a good thing, it can also mean that a person is looking for reasons why they don’t need to take positive action in the first place. In short, a person who over-thinks during the early stages of recovery could simply be looking for a way out.
A person who spends too much thinking and analyzing things instead of taking positive action can easily jump to the wrong conclusions and make harmful decisions. Not to mention that over thinking can also lead to depression and a depressed person is more likely to relapse. Overthinking can also lead people to feel paralyzed to the point that they won’t take any sort of action at all. This is why overthinking and anxiety in general is something to take seriously during the recovery process.
How Do I Stop Over Thinking?
Here’s the thing: when we become aware of our thoughts, we already stop the thinking process in its tracks. Awareness is always the first step to stopping any form of mental negativity. Whether you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or angry, being aware of what you’re thinking and feeling is always a good sign.
The second step is to stop the vicious cycle of emotional abuse. Meaning, a recovering person has to start practicing thinking in the moment and doing positive things that get them out of their own head. Whether it’s cycling, running, swimming, or doing Yoga, an exercise routine is one of the surefire ways a person can get out of their own heads and focus on the present.
Another way to stop overthinking, overanalyzing, or worrying too much in general is to take up a writing habit. Keeping a journal can help a person be aware of their words and actions. Having a journal is also a great way of chronicling one’s recovery process.
Some people also swear by meditation and yoga. If those interest you, then take up meditation and yoga in order to ward off negative thoughts and emotions during recovery.