Mind Matters

Overthinking and having a hyperactive mind can feel like being stuck in a whirlwind of thoughts. It’s as if your brain just won’t switch off, constantly dragging you into loops of worries, ideas, and endless possibilities. The more you try to make sense of things, the more tangled everything becomes, leaving you feeling mentally drained and restless.

From a psychological perspective, overthinking often stems from anxiety. Your mind is trying to protect you, convincing itself that if you think through every detail, you can prevent something going wrong. You’re left trying to solve problems that don’t exist yet, or even problems you can’t control. And then there’s the restlessness – that hyperactive mental energy, constantly seeking something to focus on, but never settling long enough to find peace. This isn’t just about thinking too much; it’s about not being able to stop.

Cognitively, your brain is designed to process and solve problems, but when it’s overstimulated, it struggles to slow down. You might start thinking about what happened earlier in the day, then about a task you haven’t done, then jump to worrying about tomorrow. It feels like you’re juggling too many thoughts at once, but none of them really stick. This can lead to exhaustion and make it difficult to make decisions or focus on anything clearly.

Emotionally, this cycle can take a real toll. Overthinking can make you feel anxious, frustrated, or disconnected from what’s actually happening around you. You might start doubting yourself, questioning your decisions, or feeling like you’re never really in the present moment. It’s not just tiring; it’s isolating.

But here’s the thing: your mind is only trying to protect you, even if it sometimes goes overboard. It’s okay to feel this way, and you’re not alone in it. The key is learning how to calm your thoughts when they become too much, and that’s something you can definitely do.

The first step is to understand that your thoughts are just that—thoughts. They aren’t facts, and they don’t need immediate solutions. You can let them be. Not every thought requires your full attention, and not every problem needs to be solved right now.

Practising mindfulness is one way to help with this. Take a deep breath and focus on the present moment. Feel the air filling your lungs, notice the sensations around you, and gently guide your mind back to the here and now whenever it starts to wander. With practice, you’ll learn that it’s okay to let go of thoughts that don’t serve you.

You can also try naming your thoughts. When you catch yourself overthinking, acknowledge it: “I’m worrying about that meeting tomorrow,” or “I’m getting lost in thoughts about what happened earlier.” Simply naming the thought helps to separate it from you, creating some distance between you and your mental chatter.

Breathing exercises can also help calm your mind. When you notice that your thoughts are racing, try taking slow, deep breaths. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale for six. Repeat this until you feel your body and mind begin to slow down.

If your mind tends to get stuck on a particular issue, set boundaries for when you’ll allow yourself to think about it. You might say, “I’ll think about this for ten minutes and then move on.” Setting limits gives your mind permission to stop when it would otherwise keep going.

Another important thing to remember is that life will always have uncertainties. No amount of thinking can predict or control every outcome. Learning to sit with uncertainty and accepting that it’s a part of life is liberating. You don’t need all the answers right now.

Lastly, if you recognise yourself in this pattern, it’s important not to turn to Dr Google for help. While it might seem comforting to search for answers online, this often leads to more worry and confusion. The internet can fuel your anxiety by offering conflicting information or worst-case scenarios. Instead, seek support from a trusted mental health professional who can help you untangle your thoughts in a way that’s structured and effective.

You deserve peace, and with the right tools, you can learn to calm your mind. Overthinking doesn’t define you, and you are capable of finding clarity in the chaos. Just take it one breath at a time.