You think mostly in black and white
Your thinking is based on polar opposites, such as good/bad and right/wrong. Your thoughts swing from one extreme to another, your moods swinging with them. When you stick to the rules, you feel virtuous and strong, but break them, even just a little, and self- loathing kicks in. A black and white thinker will feel a "complete" failure for snacking on Reese's instead of grapes.
- Replace your rules with guidelines - rules get broken, but guidelines are flexible. Instead of "I must not eat chocolate this week", think, "I aim to eat healthily for most of the week".
- Consider all possibilities. In a tricky situation, it's good for you to see grey areas too. "It's about bringing your conscious-awareness to all the information you have.
You Catastrophise
You tend to jump to the worst-possible conclusions in any circumstances. You often live in a state of low-lying anxiety and fixate about health, over things that were hard-earned and about things that mean alot to you. Catastrophising is a big drain on mental energy - your whole focus is on something that hasn't happened and in most cases, will never happen. It also breeds anxiety and can lead to panic attacks.
- Reset your oxygen level. Having too much oxygen in the bloodstream can trigger catastrophic thinking. Classic signs are feeling a bit sick and dizzy, and having tingly feelings in the fingers. Reset the balance with slow breathing in through the nose for a count of eight, out through the mouth. Repeat 30 times.
If you're constantly negative around people, they're more likely to be negative, too - especially around children.
- Have a complaint detox. Wear a bracelet for 3 weeks and swap it from one wrist to the other each time you hear yourself complaining.
- Break the cycle. Re-running past negative events actually lowers your mood and strengthens your negative bias. Break the cycle by asking yourself what did you learn from that experience? In what way are you stronger as a result?
Your Intellectualise
You have a rational explanation for everything and rarely let anything upset you. Intellectualising stems from a dislike of intense emotions and is a way of keeping your life on an even keel. Emotions are there for a reason. They're sending you a message. You can alienate those around you by coming across as detached.
You Overthink
People who over-think can't let go of past events, and constantly rework them, trying to understand their meaning and the implication for their lives. They also fret about things that haven't yet happened. Over-thinkers are intolerant of uncertainty and want everything to be crystal clear. Over-thinkers can find themselves stuck. It is hard to generate good solutions to problems and you can alienate people by coming across as self-obsessed.
Source : Elle Singapore
- Use the friend test - how would my friend feel in such a situation?
- Reconnect with your feelings. Be honest, even if the emotions are difficult to own up to, such as jealousy, anger or guilt.
You Overthink
People who over-think can't let go of past events, and constantly rework them, trying to understand their meaning and the implication for their lives. They also fret about things that haven't yet happened. Over-thinkers are intolerant of uncertainty and want everything to be crystal clear. Over-thinkers can find themselves stuck. It is hard to generate good solutions to problems and you can alienate people by coming across as self-obsessed.
- Think "here and now". Mindfulness exercises can be especially useful. Sit down, shut your eyes, and let your thoughts and feelings flow. Try to respond to yourself with acceptance and compassion.
- Schedule a worry time, a 60-minute slot later in the day to ruminate on what's bothering you. The problem will seem more manageable, because you've broken the grip over-thinking has on your mind.
Source : Elle Singapore
