It’s quite common for people to overthink, but some individuals, like myself, tend to do it more frequently and intensely. I often find myself obsessing over small matters, which can snowball into larger concerns, eventually causing anxiety. It’s as if there’s a limit to the number of significant worries my mind can handle. When that limit is reached, panic and anxiety set in.

Back in school, I wasn’t an outstanding student; in fact, I was quite average, and at times even below average. This led to frequent worry and overthinking. I’d wonder if I would pass my exams and graduate, or if failing would leave me behind while everyone else progressed. These thoughts haunted me throughout my school years. I was so anxious about passing my 12th-grade exams that when the results came in, I didn’t even look at the marks. I just searched for the word pass. When I saw it, I felt an immense sense of relief, a feeling I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

However, the thing about worrying and overthinking is that it’s never-ending. Once the school-related stress subsided, I shifted my focus to completing my undergraduate degree at IILM University, Gurugram. Even though I consistently earned good grades, I found it helpful, in a somewhat unconventional way, to tell myself before each semester that I wouldn’t pass this semester. This odd approach allowed me to prepare for the worst and relieved some of the pressure. When I did pass, it felt like a pleasant surprise.

After finishing my undergraduate degree, the next worry crept in: the job search. I constantly wondered if I’d ever find a job or if I was even qualified enough to secure one. Eventually, I did land a job as a sub-editor at a news startup called AwaazSouthAsia. Unfortunately, I left the job after just one month due to a toxic work environment.

The funny thing about excessive worrying and stress is that once those concerns are behind you, you realise how insignificant the worrying was. It’s like I was overthinking about nothing at all. But I suppose that’s just a part of life. In the words of Australian film director, producer, writer, and actor Baz Luhrmann, as shared in his song called Sunscreen, which I came across while watching the movie About Time.

Worrying about the future is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.

Baz Luhrmann

It’s a profound reminder that, in the grand scheme of things, many of our worries are as inconsequential as trying to solve complex problems with the most impractical means.