Things Of Habit 2

Habit or Overthinking: Balancing

Tea before water, or water first?

Counting bread slices before munching?

Checking the time every few minutes?

Replaying your neighbour's words in your head all day?

Now, are these quirky habits or are we diving headfirst into overthinking?

We all have our little routines and ways of doing things. Some of us can't start the day without at least fixing our bed, others need that specific mug of herbs. These are habits, my friend – those comfy, automatic behaviours that feel as natural as breathing.

Did you know the word "habit" comes from Latin words meaning "to have" or "state of being," and later from French, where it originally meant clothing? It's fitting. Habits are like our behavioural wardrobe – a second skin we slip into without much thought.

Habits are deeply influenced by our cultural surroundings, including family, environment, and education. We often develop them by emulating those around us, particularly parents, friends, or relatives. But sometimes, we form habits in contrast to what we observe – a little rebellion against the norm, if you will.

But then there's overthinking – that pesky voice in your head that won't shut up about whether you locked the door (which you most likely didn't🤭) or if your joke at lunch was funny.

So, how do we tell the difference? hmmmm:

Habits are like that trusty old Nokia phone – simple, reliable, and gets the job done without much fuss. They're behaviours we've learned over time, often unconsciously. Habits feel just right, with chocolate sprinkled on it.

Overthinking, on the other hand, is like having a hyperactive smartphone that won't stop pinging – it's excessive, often anxiety-driven, and makes mountains out of balls of eba. It's less about what feels natural and more about what if, what if, what if?

Take the bread-counting scenario. If you're absent-mindedly noting the number of slices as you make your sandwich, that's probably just a habit. But if you're meticulously counting each slice because you're convinced one might have mysteriously vanished since yesterday? That's overthinking, darling.

But here's the plot twist – sometimes, overthinking can become an addiction! 

Consider the watch-checking dance. what if you glance at your watch every 30 seconds? Are you noting the time or you can't stop distrating yourself? It's an addictive behaviour. As we learnt last week, if you can't control that behaviour and it isn't beneficial then it's an addiction. And in this case, it's overthinking doing the cha-cha in your brain.

The key difference? Habits generally make our lives easier, while overthinking tends to strain you. Habits are about doing; overthinking is about dwelling. Habits require little conscious thought while overthinking is characterized by an excess of conscious, often anxious thought.

If you find yourself constantly overanalyzing every little thing, it might be time to have a little chat with yourself (or a professional). Remember, not all habits are beneficial and not all overthinking is bad (hello, problem-solving). Our habitual behaviours significantly contribute to our personality, shaping our thought patterns, reactions, and how we perceive and interact with the world. It's all about perception, routine and balance.

So, next time you find yourself in a mental loop, ask yourself: "Is this making my life easier or am I just complicating things?" The answer might just help you figure out if you're in habit land or overthinking territory.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go check my email again. For the tenth time. Just habit 👀.

Also! Enjoy the August break and all the drama that comes with it.

Check out my farewell poem for Shuzia's Celebration Issue.