Overthinking Ruminating

Or is it ruminating about overthinking? All I know is both have caused me anxiety and depression, and they have also made my anxiety and depression worse. A chicken and egg kind of thing.

I was wondering if there was a difference between the two types of thinking. Some definitions describe overthinking as something we do in the present about a present or upcoming decision or situation. Rumination is described going over and over something that happened in the past.

I am just lumping them together because neither one is good for my mental health and/or emotional health.

Of course, some thinking about a present event or choice is good. It helps me be prepared more. I also think some reflection on a past event can be helpful if I learn from it.

Interesting that right now in my life, overthinking decisions or choices is what I have to work on the most. I know it’s mostly about me trying to control everything, and worrying about making a mistake. This is IMPOSSIBLE! I want to control the weather, what I will look like, how I will feel, and dwell on all the “what-ifs”.

I also have noticed that rumination makes my feelings of loneliness worse. I go over and over all the get togethers my far away family has, as I am unable to join them. Ruminating on feeling left out only makes it worse.

What helps me? Any type of exercise helps focus my thinking. Weight lifting has really helped me connect to my body. Getting outside and taking photos of things I see helps me focus on the present. Deep breathing is important for me, as is trying to bring someone a bit of joy, or calling a friend. Just writing my thoughts here helps. I have done Cognitive behavioral therapy in the past, and that is another tool I use. (When I remember! LOL)

Well, as I sit here at a coffee shop, having a nice morning, Mr. UT is at home washing windows. That guy is a miracle worker!! (He agrees with this!)

With Blue Sky I Can FINALLY See Through Clean Windows

On Day 3661,

Wendy