21 Feb Generation of Overthinkers: The Science Behind Overthinking and How to Stop It

Dwelling on a certain situation or deliberating whether you should have said something or not can be a case of overthinking.   

Overthinking occurs when people excessively analyze a certain situation for long periods. It can lead you to be consumed by one thing and lose your focus on other things.  

Examples of overthinking are:  

• Thinking about the things you said during a certain event  

• Obsessing over possible outcomes of a certain situation  

• Second-guessing yourself  

READ MORE: Let It Out: Why Repressing Emotions Isn’t Doing Anyone Any Good, Even Your Health

The Study Behind Overthinking  

Overthinking is described as mental effort in some studies. A 2022 study concluded that such mental effort can be costly in various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and economics.   

In addition, it found that the mental effort of overthinking can also be associated with negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and fear.  

Another 2022 study also found that rumination, overthinking, and worry can have a significant effect on mental health and depression.  

Aside from negative effects on one’s mental health, overthinking can also have a negative impact on one’s professional life or job satisfaction.  

According to a 2024 study, participants who were high on overthinking also scored high on professional life stress.   

Although overthinking is not a mental illness it can exacerbate and can be linked to certain mental health disorders such as:  

• Depression  

• Generalized anxiety disorder  

• Social anxiety disorder  

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder  

• Panic disorder  

• Social anxiety disorder  

How to Stop Overthinking?  

The endless cycle of negative thoughts can have a negative effect on you in the long run.   

Overthink or rumination can start without any warning at all. Some people ruminate to find a solution to their problems, but it can also worsen certain mental health conditions.  

If you feel like overthinking is causing more disturbance to you, here are some ways to help you stop overthinking:  

• Find a distraction: you are less likely to overthink if you are occupied with a certain activity. Try exercising or talking to a friend or loved one.  

• Change your environment: sometimes you forget your external environment because you are busy being stuck inside your inner world.  

• Practice mindfulness techniques: try breathing exercises or meditation to disrupt your overthinking.  

If you feel that it is something that you cannot overcome alone, always remind yourself that you are surrounded by people who can offer you better perspectives; be open to receiving advice and support from them.  

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