According to the Cleveland Clinic overthinking is an unhealthy habit that typically causes more stress by focusing on the negative, dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. I have often told people to get out of my head because its scary up there! Of course, I say this as a joke but if you know me then you probably know that sometimes (ok! More than sometimes) I can be an overthinker. I can get caught up in thinking, analyzing, considering, predicting and wondering. This goes well behind considering the pros and cons of a decision and asking for input from those I trust…its more like insomnia, questioning, and going through possibilities that in reality will never happen! I am well practiced at and then-ing and what if-ing. Rest assured, I am aware I do this and I am working on doing it with less gusto.
I have started learning to pay attention to my own nervous system in the last 6 months. It all started with me recognizing the love/hate relationship I have with my own body. If you have a chronic diseases (MS for those who don’t know) it is easy to see the ways your own body has failed you. This led me to somatic experience therapy with the most AMAZING practitioner, Tammy Limbach. It is now much easier for me to recognize when I am getting off track. It is easier to stop and be present. I am remembering that I have choices. I am also learning to recognize what is happening in my body at a particular moment, to use those cues as tools rather than just being overtaken. I am also remembering to recognize the good and remember to experience the joys along the way.
What is happening in your body during a particular event or situation can provide important data and if practiced consistently it can help you understand what some part of you needs in the moment. What does that knot in your stomach need to relax? Can you enjoy the lightness that comes from laughing? Can you say “no” to the part of you that never slows down to celebrate or linger? Can you lean into the dysregulation you are feeling instead of pushing it away…is it really trying to tell you something it needs. I am learning to listen to myself and more importantly to trust myself.
So today I challenge each of you to stop and pay attention…where are you carrying your tension, are you present in this moment, are you ignoring something that part of you needs, can you use your resources to stay in a moment a little longer than you are comfortable with? I promise you taking that first full breath in the moment and not jumping 10 steps ahead is worth it and self regulation and resourcing yourself is a gift.
