Recently I started reading a book called Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel. Overthinking is something that gets me into more trouble than I want. Especially att his time of quarantine and unsurity. I have had bouts of agoraphobia in the past. Going to new or crowded places, not to mention closed in, are very anxiety-producing for me. So, when they said to stay home and be safe, my inner agoraphobic had a small party.

I haven’t read very far in the book yet, it is good, it is just that I have the attention span of a wet noodle. I love to read. And I read a lot. I am currently up to 65 books for the year. If I just sat down and read, I could get this finished. 

Something that the book has made me aware of is how much I overthink the little stuff in life. I overthink everything from whether I need to walk out to the mailbox or wait to make sure that what I heard was thein fact the mail carrier’s car. Usually, someone else has checked the mail when I finally decide that it was, in fact, the mail carrier. 

The overthinking is something I have to deal with even when it comes to getting up and out of bed. I have a checklist that helps me start the morning. The first thing is to meditate. Then I get up and make the bed. The list has become a way to have the day organized before I have a chance to think myself out of doing what I need to do.

I have a bullet journal. I have been working on learning how to use it better and to make it a tool to help with the overthinking. I have been reading other books that are helping me to understand how to use it better. The book Atomic Habits has been insanely helpful. As have various Youtube videos on organization. 

The morning checklist has been part of my day for some time and truly helps me get out of bed. I am working on a mood tracker and other things and ways to help me see where I can improve my life. In this time of disquiet, I need all the help I can get to keep me on track in life and to move without always questioning my next move. And that would go a long way to keep me from overthinking everything.