How many nights have you spent just thinking about something? I must have spent dozens amongst dozens of nights tossing and turning thinking about whatever, some good while some bad. Well, mostly bad. Drawing big conclusions from little information can really hurt yourself and potentially others as well. Teenagers and young adults are primarily vulnerable to overthinking, so here are some tips on how to avoid it.

1. Focus on the facts

The conclusions drawn from overthinking are typically biased towards a side. Most of the time these conclusions turn out to be false. After all, if the conclusions were true, then it wouldn't be overthinking, but I digress. Instead of drawing conclusions, really take note of the information that has led you to this point. You might find that your conclusions and the reasoning behind them don't really mix nor make sense. Ask yourself, is what I'm thinking actually logical? Or am I making a big deal out of something small? Is this really true?

2. Vent

The answers to the questions above can be tricky. Maybe, the information you have isn't quite clear, and/or you don't know what to make of the information. That's what friends and family are for. A true friend would listen no matter how bizarre or crazy the conclusions may be. Furthermore, it's crucial that the person you're venting to is unbiased.

Many overthinking scenarios involve people, and a true friend would also tell you things you do not want to hear. Your friend needs to see it from their perspective and imagine how he/she would react if he/she were you. Otherwise, your friend will simply be adding pieces to a puzzle that potentially doesn't exist.

3. Exercise

Honestly, you can't really think while exercising! You're really knocking out two birds with one stone by becoming healthy physically and mentally through exercise. A good workout session blocks your mind out from pretty much everything.

Think about it.

You're listening to your favorite music, nobody is going to talk to you, and your mind is focused on something other than thinking. Could a cure to overthinking really become that great?

4. Adapt

Overthinking is merely a tool. In most cases, it's a harmful tool, but with some practice and discipline, overthinking can be used in a more effective way. Many fields require a good mind in the head. Strategy games like chess or any creative practice such as art or writing all benefit from a constantly thinking mind. In other words, overthinking can be used to add to your imagination. The real question is what is being added. Good ideas? Bad ideas? That's up to you to decide.

5. Appreciate

When you overthink, you can lose sight of who you are, the people you love, and the things you have. At the end of the day, they're just thoughts that make you, you, nothing more. Unless you act upon those thoughts, nothing has changed. You're still you and nobody else. You don't know for sure if what you think is true, and you may never know.

If you never know, then your thoughts might be unrealistic. For some, their thoughts are all they have. They might not have the same luxury of expression that many others have. Being able to think without consequence is a gift.

Of course, all of these methods are easier said than applied.