An Antidote to Overthinking

There is this new piece of information I learned from a book titled: IKIGAI. The author who interviewed several people who lived long and healthy lives, came up with this recommendation: To face overthinking and live life, just go out, say hello, greet others and say thank you and bye bye.

This small practical tip does a lot to overthinking. You might think you are alone. No body is interested in your ideas and thoughts. Everyone is busy. Or the sense of isolation and disconnection is pulling you down. But when you go out, experience life and meet people (even if it is just the cashier, the laundry guy, the tailor, the salesman, the technician, the neighbour), you find the reality is a lot different from what you think. You realize life is there waiting for you to experience it. You understand that loneliness is only a state of mind you choose to stay in it. You observe people are there welcoming, accepting, patient enough, cheerful, funny and eager to have more than one conversation with you.

So the next time you think, overthink and obsess in your thinking, go outside. Create a small gathering in your home for no reason. Attend a seminar or workshop. Have a walk in your neighbourhood. Go to the playground and watch kids playing and running. And check out for yourself the sweet and comforting feeling after you come back home.