We all do it, some more than others but we've all been there. Replaying a conversation in your head, obsessing over appearance, overthinking pretty much anything.
There's a difference between thinking and overthinking (aka obsessing), and there's also a difference between common everyday obsessing over our thoughts and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
* I am not a psychologist and these tips are not directed towards those living with OCD
In a perfect world, I believe we should have an experience, think about it, then move on. But for a lot of people it goes like this: experience, thinking, thinking some more, replaying experience, eventually moving on. Think back to when you were a kid. Most kids have an experience and if you ask them what they did a few days later they don't have a clue...that's because they were just LIVING rather than overthinking and overanalyzing.
Here are some of my tips for putting a halt to that obsessive thinking and just LIVING:
1. Notice, welcome it, get it out, write it out
Get it off your chest in whatever way is easiest and most therapeutic for you. Embrace the thoughts rather than fighting them, maybe they are trying to teach you something that you still need to uncover.
2. Act
This one is easier for some people than it is for others, but pretend you are someone who is carefree and doesn't care so much about things. I know this is really difficult for some but give it a try, it's my 100% swear by tip and always works for me.
3. Put Intense Concentration Into Small Activities
This one ties in with mindfulness, and being aware of your movements and surroundings. This technique will help ground you and bring you back to the present moment. Recognize your thoughts are not reality, but this very physical moment IS.
* Remember, do not hesitate to seek professional help if you want some extra guidance towards managing obsessive thinking, it's completely normal!