Every day, we all do activities that are part of our habit yet unintentionally make us boring, uncreative, and fatigued. Certain unseen and repeated practises are partially to blame for our discomfort and might lead to burnout over time.

Overthinking is one of these harmful behaviours that we are probably unaware of. We may have lost hours engaging in it over the years, increasing our worry and draining our productivity. Overthinking not only reduces your attention span but may also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, and digestive problems.

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“Many individuals obsess and fret about matters over which they have no control. Overthinking consumes people’s time and energy, which may be better spent finding innovative solutions to the problems we face. Instead, overthinking will lead to mental and emotional tiredness,” Dr Maya Kirpalani, Consultant Psychologist and Family Therapist at Bhatia Hospital in Mumbai, agrees.

Another habit that develops as a result of overthinking is worrying about the future and reflecting on the past. Your mind overthinks when you aren’t doing anything constructive, and vice versa.

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“The past is no longer relevant, and we may benefit from the lessons that have been imparted to us. Keeping one’s attention primarily on the future produces worry and anxiety. The only thing that actually exists in the present moment. When we think about the past or the future, we are neglecting or denying the present moment. In essence, we are ignoring truth and suffering ourselves a great lot of grief in the process. As a result, the present moment passes by without being used productively,” Dr Kirpalani states.

Another factor that makes us miserable and boring is a repetitive daily routine that leaves little room for creativity or learning. Many of us are guilty of developing rigid routines that are easier to follow but have a negative impact on our mental health.

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“While it is crucial to maintain a healthy schedule, the same routine might get tiresome after a while, especially if you spend too much time on low-value activities that limit your own achievement and happiness. Focusing on a pastime or learning new skills that are both pleasant and help you use your time in meaningful ways is one method to break the monotony,” says the therapist

Here are some suggestions to help you break these bad habits:

Keep an eye on your ideas. If these are unproductive, they will deplete your mental energy.

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Maintain your focus on the current moment. Don’t constantly think about your past or obsessively stress about your future. Take care. Make use of the current moment.

Acquire a new skill. Develop your interests. Try something new and innovative. This will not only calm you, but it will also keep your mind sharp.