Overthinkers have a tough time with play. This is a symptom we have in common with overachievers. In fact, it’s possible to be an overthinker and an overachiever at the same time. If so, you’re doubly miserable.
Overthinkers might be persuaded to play, but overachievers can turn even play into something that feeds the addiction. I know. I live in Colorado, home of 10,000 cyclists. If God had wanted our butts to be that hard, he wouldn’t have invented cellulite. I’m just sayin’…
Play is difficult, I’ll admit. It’s easier to think about play than to actually do it. As a therapist I not only get to think about play, I get to push the benefits of play onto others, and get a certain smug satisfaction from doing it…while never actually playing myself.
You see the challenge?
As adults we struggle with play because of its childlike, unguarded nature. We don’t want to be thought silly, or vulnerable. Wouldn’t want to lose ourselves in something delightful and simple, lest we be found to be less than completely composed at all times.
Overthinking makes us appear cool.
So antidote #2 is play. Go out and play.
But be advised, there are many counterfeits, activities that feign play, but actually feed what ails you. As an overthinker, you must be constantly vigilant, on guard against the sinister seduction of your disease. Watch for these subtle traps:
– going for coffee with a friend, overthinking your life under the guise of social contact
– reading Anna Karenina (or similarly meaningful literature) for fun
– Majong on the computer. ditto facebook, free cell, etc. etc. It might be escape, but it ain’t play
– Over-consumption of food and alcohol
– watching sports on TV
– watching TV
Play must be simple and spontaneous, physical and sensory. LIke…
Like…um…let’s see…
I’ll get back to you with this. I need to think about it some more.
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