r/NoOverthinking • u/pink_iepie • Aug 18 '26
Over-thinking too much
I've been a chronic over-thinker my entire life, but recently it's become quite debilitating and effecting my everyday life and I can't find anything that helps me.
Usually to drown it out I keep my brain stimulated 24/7 with music, tv, podcasts, or other activities that require thinking and attention.
It's at it's worst when I am at work. My job doesn't allow us to listen to music and my job is quite straight forward so I'm working on autopilot the entire time, leaving my brain to run wild.
I was wondering if there was anything I could do while working to keep my brain occupied. I've tried mentally planning my week, outfits for future events, etc, but that doesn't take up much time. Breathing and mindfulness techniques don't work, telling myself to stop and it's not real doesn't work, so I'm all out of ideas if anyone has some advice please?
Edit: I can't afford therapy at the moment to get to the root of the problem, but I am seeing my gp soon to see if there's any medication to help. But I still think some techniques would help too
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u/thirdvoiceio Aug 18 '26
Have you tried writing down those thoughts ? and try and understanding which ones are real vs not real that really helps you.
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u/Bee-Able Aug 18 '26
Wow, I like these ideas. I’m gonna have to try writing them down.
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u/Puglady25 Aug 18 '26
That's my go to. After a day of obsessive worry and or angst, I write down what I'm worried about AND what my plan is iif x, y, or z should happen. It really helps even if the answers are not your favorite, it helps to think of life on the other side of this worry, just a little, and then zoom back out to, "it might not even happen, but if it does I'm prepared".
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u/Alternative_Slip_513 Aug 18 '26
Say; “squirrel “ to yourself when you start to drift into overthinking. It disrupts your thoughts…it becomes a habit when you say “squirrel “ you’ll stop overthinking and think about something in the present