This is what happens to the body when you are overthinking & bull; hello healthy

Overthinking, a thought that far exceeds expectations. In fact, the things you think about do not necessarily happen. When there is a problem, everyone can communicate with himself. Monologues that are created in the mind are sometimes difficult to control. So that it raises a variety of questions that are answered by yourself.

Unfortunately, this habit creates a variety of anxiety and affects the body physically. Sometimes people don't realize that they are overthinking because of a change in their lifestyle. So, see the explanation below.

Am I the one who is overthinking?

Have you ever asked yourself, am I an overthinking person? Or your friends have said that you are overhinking? Then there is the inner resistance for not feeling that way. You may be right.

However, before stating that you are not an overthinking person, first know this point. As reported by Psychology Today , there are two things that make a person overthinking, namely overthinking (pondering) and anxiety.

In the first point, you may be overthinking the various things that have happened and starting to guess what should have happened.

Suppose you say something like this in your mind, "I shouldn't have said what it was on meeting, so people look at me weird because of that idea. " or “I shouldn't resign from that office, I will definitely be happier than now."

Meanwhile, for the second point, anxiety is also a form of overthinking. Anxiety occurs when a person begins to predict things that will happen in the future. The fruit he thought could be his fear.

Anxious thoughts, such as “If you meet a prospective in-law, she will definitely not like me. Duh, get ready to be rejected, I don't think I'm competent ”or“ I don't think I will be able to take up my position at any time. Whatever I do will not change anything."

This collection of thoughts can suppress the mind, because the monologue that keeps going on in your mind can haunt you and become a source of your fear.

In this depressed state, it is easy for a person to experience stress as a result of overthinking.

The impact of overthinking that should not be underestimated

Overthinking is not a thing that lasts for a moment. Because the fear that is planted can generate negative thoughts that can "poison" yourself. This impact occurs slowly which in turn affects mental and physical health.

Too often thinking about flaws, mistakes, and problems can be a trigger for emotional distress. When in a situation like this, there is a tendency to seek escape such as consumption of alcohol and food.

The result of this excessive thinking can have an impact on your physical health. There are several things to be aware of when overthinking can have an impact on your body.

1, Creativity decreases

Maybe before you could think clearly and be able to develop a creative idea. Meanwhile, overthinking can inhibit thoughts. So you are less likely to think freely or find solutions.

A study from Stanford examined overthinking. The researchers engaged the participants and they were asked to draw illustrations. Some participants are easy to draw, some are difficult.

The more they think about it, the more difficult it is for participants to illustrate the requested image. On the other hand, participants will easily illustrate pictures when they do not think much.

2. Weakened immune system

The impact of overthinking causes an increase in the hormone cortisol. This is the body's natural response. The increase in this hormone can affect the body's immune response.

So, it is not uncommon for someone who is under stress and overthinking, is prone to experiencing illnesses such as flu and cold coughs. The healing period also takes longer than usual.

3. Sleep disturbances

The impact of overthinking can make it difficult for you to sleep. Everyone will want to make bedtime as a way to minimize stress. However, overthinking prevents a person from falling asleep more easily.

Lack of sleep due to overthinking is usually characterized by anxiety, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.

This is because you focus on thinking about problems, so that the brain continues to work at night. That way, the quality of your sleep time decreases and you will feel tired the next day.

4. Digestive system disorders

Apart from sleep disturbances, the bad effects of overthinking are indigestion. This is the impact of a lot of thinking and worrying about things that have or may not have happened.

What does the mind have to do with the digestive system? The human brain and intestines can communicate. There are many nervous systems found in the intestines and in the spine. When stress hits, the nervous system responds naturally with an increase in the hormone cortisol.

The release of cortisol can affect the digestive system and trigger acid reflux, constipation, GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, and others.

Overthinking can have a bad impact on health. So, try to quiet your thoughts and focus more on solving the problems that occur and accepting your condition. That way, you help yourself to minimize the bad effects.