--- [ ARCHIVE ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=16) # 10 Things Over-Thinkers Are Tired Of Over-Thinking ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2015/052z2.png)WELLNESS-While writing this intro, I deleted the first paragraph approximately six times. My thoughts ranged from *"Just get to the point already"* to *"That sentence makes no sense."* Truthfully, I probably was getting to the point and my sentences most likely did make sense. Hi, I'm a chronic over-thinker. Nice to meet you. To say that it's somewhat tiring to live with an over-thinking brain is an understatement. Yet, the cycle constantly churns, despite attempts to quiet those incessant thoughts. **Below are just a few things *all* over-thinkers are tired of overanalyzing (but really, we just can't help it). **1. That text message from our significant other.** "I'm fine." What does that *mean*? Why a period and not an exclamation point? Over-thinkers are notorious for breaking down the anatomy of a text message, right down that last piece of punctuation. **2. That comment from our boss.** Logically we know a little criticism isn't going to get us fired, but we can't help but make a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to our work. But our extreme analysis may actually impede our performance. [According to a UC Santa Barbara study](http://www.news.ucsb.edu/2013/013593/overthinking-can-be-detrimental-human-performance). Yikes. **3. The first impression we just gave off.** "Did I laugh too loudly?" "Was I too opinionated about that Supreme Court ruling?" "Did I have something in my teeth?" **4. Our weekend plans.** Or any plans for that matter, because our indecisive nature comes into play. Don't even get us started on where to go for dinner. **5. That fight we just had with our friend.** You know those montages that happen in movies when two people are on the outs? Welcome to the front-row seat of an over-thinker's mind. Not only do we replay the strong words we exchanged, we also map out in our brains what *could've* happened had we said something different. That outcome is always much better. **6. Our painful breakup.** Failed relationships are basically our kryptonite. But take heart, over-thinkers: All that ruminating may be helpful after all. A study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science found those who analyzed their breakup more often through a series of questionnaires regained their sense of self more quickly than those who did not. A pint of Ben and Jerry's isn't too bad, either. **7. What it means if our leg hurts or if we have a cold for more than a day.** See also: Hypochondria. (But really, if you're super concerned, please see a doctor.) **8. The tweet we just sent out.** Well, we *thought* it was funny but apparently the two followers we just lost didn't agree. Delete. **9. The worst case scenario.** For over-thinkers, "we need to talk" or "let's set up a meeting" may as well mean pack your bags. Our brains instantly dart to the least favorable outcome as a defense mechanism. However, research shows this negative or hostile thinking is hardly beneficial. A sour mindset has been linked to higher risk for stress and even some physical health conditions. **10. The fact that we can't stop overthinking.** Seriously. It's exhausting. In all honesty, it's not a simple matter of "shutting your brain off." Over-thinkers can't help but get lost in the corners of their minds. But while we're working to "let it go" a little more ([PSA: meditation helps](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/stress-relief-7-tools-to_b_574418.html%20)), we wouldn't complain if you added an exclamation point rather than a period to the end of your texts. You know, just in case. (Lindsay Holmes is Healthy Living editor for[ Huffington Post](http://huffingtonpost.com) … where this column was first posted.) -cw CityWatch Vol 13 Issue 52 Pub: Jun 26, 2015 Written by Lindsay Holmes. June 27 2015 [](https://www.addtoany.com/share) ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2015/052z2.png)WELLNESS-While writing this intro, I deleted the first paragraph approximately six times. My thoughts ranged from *"Just get to the point already"* to *"That sentence makes no sense."* Truthfully, I probably was getting to the point and my sentences most likely did make sense. Hi, I'm a chronic over-thinker. Nice to meet you. To say that it's somewhat tiring to live with an over-thinking brain is an understatement. Yet, the cycle constantly churns, despite attempts to quiet those incessant thoughts. **Below are just a few things *all* over-thinkers are tired of overanalyzing (but really, we just can't help it). **1. That text message from our significant other.** "I'm fine." What does that *mean*? Why a period and not an exclamation point? Over-thinkers are notorious for breaking down the anatomy of a text message, right down that last piece of punctuation. **2. That comment from our boss.** Logically we know a little criticism isn't going to get us fired, but we can't help but make a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to our work. But our extreme analysis may actually impede our performance. [According to a UC Santa Barbara study](http://www.news.ucsb.edu/2013/013593/overthinking-can-be-detrimental-human-performance). Yikes. **3. The first impression we just gave off.** "Did I laugh too loudly?" "Was I too opinionated about that Supreme Court ruling?" "Did I have something in my teeth?" **4. Our weekend plans.** Or any plans for that matter, because our indecisive nature comes into play. Don't even get us started on where to go for dinner. **5. That fight we just had with our friend.** You know those montages that happen in movies when two people are on the outs? Welcome to the front-row seat of an over-thinker's mind. Not only do we replay the strong words we exchanged, we also map out in our brains what *could've* happened had we said something different. That outcome is always much better. **6. Our painful breakup.** Failed relationships are basically our kryptonite. But take heart, over-thinkers: All that ruminating may be helpful after all. A study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science found those who analyzed their breakup more often through a series of questionnaires regained their sense of self more quickly than those who did not. A pint of Ben and Jerry's isn't too bad, either. **7. What it means if our leg hurts or if we have a cold for more than a day.** See also: Hypochondria. (But really, if you're super concerned, please see a doctor.) **8. The tweet we just sent out.** Well, we *thought* it was funny but apparently the two followers we just lost didn't agree. Delete. **9. The worst case scenario.** For over-thinkers, "we need to talk" or "let's set up a meeting" may as well mean pack your bags. Our brains instantly dart to the least favorable outcome as a defense mechanism. However, research shows this negative or hostile thinking is hardly beneficial. A sour mindset has been linked to higher risk for stress and even some physical health conditions. **10. The fact that we can't stop overthinking.** Seriously. It's exhausting. In all honesty, it's not a simple matter of "shutting your brain off." Over-thinkers can't help but get lost in the corners of their minds. But while we're working to "let it go" a little more ([PSA: meditation helps](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/stress-relief-7-tools-to_b_574418.html%20)), we wouldn't complain if you added an exclamation point rather than a period to the end of your texts. You know, just in case. (Lindsay Holmes is Healthy Living editor for[ Huffington Post](http://huffingtonpost.com) … where this column was first posted.) -cw CityWatch Vol 13 Issue 52 Pub: Jun 26, 2015 [ ![LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20level%20pay%205-7-25.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/82 "LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)") ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/banners/signup-for-cw.png) ## Get The News In Your Email Inbox Mondays & Thursdays First Name [ ![Home - HHR Rent is too High - SB-2](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/HHR/AHF-rent-too-high.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/104 "Home - HHR Rent is too High - SB-2") --- ## Featured CityWatch Stories [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/34/065h-34e1b43b.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33212:reminder-to-the-red-states-turnabout-is-fair-play&catid=395) ### [Reminder to the Red States, Turnabout is Fair Play](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33212:reminder-to-the-red-states-turnabout-is-fair-play&catid=395) GELFAND’S WORLD - Indiana has been pounded by rains that resulted in widespread flooding. 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