Well, well, well. Look who's become a regular Socrates over here!
I find myself lost in thought more often than a philosopher at a rave these days. My brain has decided to go on a non-stop thinking spree, and I'm just along for the ride.
Don't get me wrong—thinking can be a good thing. After all, it separates us from the amoebas and the reality TV stars. But there's a fine line between healthy contemplation and overthinking yourself into a mental pretzel. And lately, I've been crossing that line more often than a jaywalker in New York City.
It starts innocently enough. I'll be minding my own business, maybe making a sandwich or folding some laundry, when suddenly—BAM!—a thought hits me like a pound of existential bricks. "What's the meaning of life?" "Why are we here?" "Is mayonnaise an instrument?" Before I know it, I'm spiralling down a rabbit hole of deep thoughts and unanswerable questions.
But here's the thing: thinking is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. And just like with any muscle, you can overdo it. You wouldn't do bicep curls for 24 hours straight (unless you're a masochist or a Guinness World Record hopeful), so why would you let your brain run on overdrive all day long?
The key is to strike a balance. It's okay to ponder the big questions and marvel at the mysteries of the universe. It's also essential to give your brain a break every once in a while. Take a walk, watch a silly movie, or chat with a friend about something completely frivolous. Your mind will thank you for the rest.
And when you do find yourself going down a thought spiral, try to steer it in a positive direction. Instead of dwelling on all the things that could go wrong, focus on the things that could go right. Instead of beating yourself up over past mistakes, think about what you've learned and how you can do better in the future.
Remember, your thoughts are like seeds; they'll grow into whatever you water them with. So choose wisely, my friend. If all else fails, think about puppies. It's scientifically impossible to be stressed when thinking about puppies or cute babies.
Thinking is a double-edged sword. It can be a powerful tool for growth and self-discovery, but it can also be a one-way ticket to Overthinking City (population: you). So use your brain wisely, give it a break when needed, and try to cultivate a garden of positive thoughts. And if you ever find yourself getting lost in the maze of your mind, remember that there are always puppies or cute babies on Instagram and mayonnaise is definitely not an instrument.
So, so funny! That’s exactly the reason why I abandoned philosophy. Before you know it, it drives you nuts, you question anything and everything!