EP5: Overthinking: Taming the Mind’s Chatter

In this episode, we explore overthinking, why our minds get caught in endless loops of worry, rumination, and planning, and how it leaves us knackered. We celebrate the brilliance of our thinking brain (it’s behind art, technology, and innovation!) but also dive into its downsides, like activating our threat system and pulling us out of the present. We discuss how smart technology (like Fitbits and sleep-tracking rings) can fuel overthinking, the unique challenges for neurodiverse minds (like ADHD), and how to reconnect with your body to calm the chatter. Plus, we share three practical takeaway tips to help you manage overthinking, starting today. Tune in to quieten your mind and find some peace.

In This Episode:   What Is Overthinking? We define overthinking as dwelling on thoughts excessively, leading to mental exhaustion and anxiety (starts around 1:00, 00:01:16:23).  

The Pros and Cons of Thinking: Our thinking brain is brilliant for creativity and problem-solving, but overthinking can paralyse us (around 3:00, 00:03:42:22).  

Overthinking and the Threat System: How excessive thinking triggers our nervous system’s alarm, disconnecting us from our bodies (around 6:00, 00:06:14:00).  

Smart Technology’s Role: Wearables like Fitbits and sleep-tracking rings can fuel overthinking by creating a need to “know” everything (around 8:00, 00:08:01:22).  

Overthinking and Neurodiversity: For those with ADHD, overthinking can be more intense due to hyperactive brain activity (around 11:00, 00:11:20:13).  

The Nervous System Connection: Overthinking activates our threat response, leaving us drained (around 14:00, 00:14:13:10).  

Strategies to Manage Overthinking: Create distance by naming your “overthinker” character and choosing when to engage (around 18:00, 00:18:13:14).  

Takeaway Tips: We share three steps to reduce overthinking and bring calm (around 26:00, 00:26:03:01).

Three Takeaway Tips:   Notice When You’re Overthinking: For one day, catch yourself when you’re stuck in your head, then shift focus to the present, like feeling your feet on the ground (00:26:03:01).  

Ditch Smart Technology for a Day: Try going without your smartwatch or tracking apps to break the cycle of constant checking (00:27:17:21).  

Don’t Engage with the Overthinker: Name your overthinking character, thank it, and choose to do something else instead (00:29:08:00).

Resources Mentioned:  

Connect With Us: Have a question or want to share your overthinking story? Reach out at [e-mail]

Subscribe for more episodes on mental health, relationships, and self-awareness.     Thanks for Listening! If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Podbean or share it with a friend. See you next time as we continue to explore the messy, brilliant human experience!  

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.

Music by: Still Tree Music

Produced and Edited: Synergy Podcast Studios