ob·ses·sion // noun : an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind.
The key word in this definition is intrudes. There is no such thing as a healthy obsession if it increases
anxiety and intrudes the space in your mind meant for happy thoughts. Obsessive thinking is
commonly thought of in those who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but can be present in even
minor anxiety disorders or just plain stressful situations. Recognizing the negativity these thoughts
bring, can help us to eliminate them from our minds, and move on with life in a more positive manner.
Recognize the crazy thoughts and be aware of when you get off track. If you fall off the wagon on a
diet or gym routine, don’t let it consume you. Simply get back on track and pick back up where you
left off. Don’t ever feel like you have to overdo it on the treadmill or cut double the amount of calories
that week. Crazy thinking is unhealthy thinking. Our mind and bodies are meant to just go with the
flow.
Keep moving forward if a negative though consumes you. Use tools to help snap yourself back into
reality if you start obsessive thinking. If you’re being hard on yourself because you didn’t accomplish
all you wanted to in a day, keep focus on all the amazing things you did accomplish. Be thankful for
your health, job, and supportive friends that helped you tackle these tasks.
Be aware of your sensitivities, but don’t let them hold you back. Everyone has baggage or things
from the past they just can’t let go. The truth is we can’t rewrite the past, but we can make sure it
doesn’t repeat itself. Understanding why we obsess over certain things might require some digging
into the things that have shaped us into who we are. Letting others know about our fears or
insecurities will help us get out of our comfort zones and relax!
Most importantly, when trying to stop obsessive thinking—apply some humor! No one wants or likes
to obsess over things. If you’re freaking out, laugh at the fact that you’re not alone. There are millions
of people across the globe analyzing and replaying situations in their mind for no reason. Humor
yourself and move on!
