How to remain focused after tangential thoughts overtake? Or stop them altogether
Over the past few months I've become really good at identifying when my mind starts to wander onto a thought where I know I'll end up getting either emotionally affected the deeper I think about it, or they it's just distracting my focus when I'm trying to work. But at the same time I find myself unable to stop. Usually they're about my shortcomings, how I affected someone, a random occurrence that happened earlier etc. it's like an obsession that I need to fully ruminate on and explore all possible tangents (eg if it was about social interaction I'll have to google body language, or lately start think on their type etc,.. If it's emotional I literally start reflecting on my whole life and can get caught up for hours) before I can move on once I think I understand it.
But it doesn't do me any help! Even if I spend all this time, I forget just as quickly the next day and if that exact same thought comes into my head. I'll remember my conclusion from yesterday but I still need to go through the process because I don't really trust my conclusion? It's hard to describe
My biggest issue is that after I come out from my "thinking" I'll have lost all will to continue work or study. Also I'll become really withdrawn during this time.
edit: LOL I just realized This is exactly it. I had to write this post even though I'm in the library in a study group but I can't get it outta my mind until I got it out so to speak.