xorbie

I don't know if you have considered this or not, but I would look into meditation. Pick up a CD of relaxing music (or d/l some off the internet, whatever) and a book about meditation. I personally just started with "Teach yourself meditation" (I think that's the title)...

Anyhow, meditation can not only relax you a lot, but it helps to learn how to clear your mind. Just a week or two really can make a big difference if you stick to it and aproach it with an open mind.

excreationist

triplew00t:
I read this in New Scientist and it is pretty interesting:

OCD, anxiety disorders and hypochondria would be forms of negative introspection or ruminations.

(More information about "Human Givens")

Maybe a lot of what that site has to say is wrong, but I think there is some useful stuff in there too. To avoiding negative introspection involves thinking about other things - or better yet, doing other things. Worrying about your purpose in life is a kind of introspection and you shouldn't spend too much time worrying about it. You could postpone your thoughts about your long-term plans and just concentrate on enjoying life more. Apparently physical exercise, especially outdoor stuff, is pretty good. You could make small changes to yourself and your life whenever you realize that a change should be made - and not necessarily work towards some ultimate goal.