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Overthinking is more than having too many thoughts. It feels heavy, draining, and painful. You might be sitting alone without anything wrong, but your mind still goes in circles. You replay the same thoughts over and over without a break. Sometimes it feels like your brain is shouting even when your day is fine.
This is exactly how many people describe it.
Psychologists say that repetitive negative thoughts are linked to anxiety and stress because the brain interprets them as ongoing threat signals. Even when there is nothing dangerous happening, your nervous system stays activated. Research on anxiety and repetitive thinking shows that this pattern can make the body stay in “alert mode,” leading to exhaustion and mood problems over time.
Overthinking does not feel like just going over thoughts once. It feels like being trapped in a loop. You try to distract yourself, but the thoughts return. You try to rest, but the mind stays busy. It can feel like a tug-of-war between your brain and your body.
A few small things can help when this happens.
One is to label the thought without fighting it. For example, say quietly to yourself “this is an overthinking moment” instead of trying to stop it. Labeling it can reduce its power.
Another thing that helps is activity that requires your full attention, like brief physical movement or focus tasks. These can interrupt the loop without creating stress.
Overthinking is not weakness. It is a reaction your brain learned, especially after stress or pressure. Wanting silence in your mind does not make you broken. It makes you human.
Pause and reflect:
Which thoughts do you replay the most
What small shift can you try next time your mind starts looping
Inspired by a real Reddit discussion about intense overthinking and anxiety.