By the time we're adults, we've accrued life experience and a past that acts as a barrier between us and a carefree childhood.

Because of this, we've a much stronger tendency to over-think things and worry about either what has happened, or what might.

"It’s not until you are older and full of regrets, unwanted memories and painful experiences that you realize your greatest enemy is your mind and it’s ability to conjure up the past. Why is it that when you’re alone, usually in the darkest hours of your restlessness, that your mind decides to wander to those untouched corners?" says Lauren Martin, wellness writer for EliteDaily.com.

"Well, someone once told me in a state of my own sorrow and agony that, 'the only thing that makes it a thing is that you keep thinking about it'. It was a simple phrase, one that doesn’t seem to have much weight to it, but it changed everything for me."

Over-thinking stops you from enjoying the present and keeps you stuck in a particular problem until you stop thinking about it. You forget about the here and now, because you become consumed by your thoughts, which only gets worse the longer you dwell on them. It's a process that leads to anger, indecision and self-doubt in the face of the negative future state your mind has concocted.

If you spend too much time over-thinking you need to detox your mind via a range of methods, from concentrating on a goal or project to exercising more or practicing mindfulness.

"When you break up with over-thinking it's like writing your own 'get out of jail free' card," says life coach Peggy Nolan. "It doesn't cost you anything to end your relationship with the drama inside your head. You can decide to focus on things in the present that are deserving of your time and attention whenever you choose. The here and now is calling... will you answer?"

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Words: Anna Brech, Photos: Rex Features and Getty Images

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