Overthinking: Why Your Mind Won’t Switch Off
Do you ever get into bed feeling exhausted, only for your brain to suddenly become wide awake?
You replay conversations. Think about what you should have said. Worry about something that might happen tomorrow. Then you start worrying about the fact that you're worrying.
Overthinking can be exhausting.
Why do we overthink?
Overthinking is often our mind's attempt to protect us. Your brain may be trying to predict what could go wrong, make sense of something that has happened, or prevent you from making a mistake.
The trouble is, thinking about something repeatedly doesn't necessarily help us solve it. Sometimes we simply end up going around in circles.
Why is it worse when everything goes quiet?
You may manage perfectly well during the day because you're busy with work, family, appointments or everyday life.
Then you stop.
Suddenly there are fewer distractions and all those thoughts you've been carrying around have room to appear. That's why overthinking can sometimes feel particularly intense at bedtime or when you're alone.
What can help?
Rather than fighting your thoughts, start by noticing them.
You might ask yourself: “Is there something I can actually do about this right now?”
If there is, deciding on one small action may help. If there isn't, gently remind yourself that you don't have to solve everything tonight.
Writing thoughts down can also help get them out of your head and onto paper. Grounding yourself in what you can see, hear and feel around you can bring your attention back to the present.
When overthinking becomes exhausting
Sometimes overthinking is connected to anxiety, difficult experiences, low confidence or a need to feel in control.
Counselling gives you somewhere to explore what's underneath those thoughts rather than simply being told to stop worrying.
Understanding why your mind keeps returning to something can be an important part of beginning to respond differently.
If overthinking is taking up too much space in your life, you don't have to work through it alone.
Counselling with Sue offers face-to-face counselling in Whitstable and online counselling across the UK.
