Overthinking: How I Escaped the Mental Loop and Found Peace

I used to overthink every little thing—from my future and relationships to why someone raised their voice at me… until I found a way out.

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Have you ever felt stuck in your own thoughts?

Like your mind just won’t stop buzzing—questioning your past, doubting your present, and fearing your future? That was me for years.

From wondering “What’s my ultimate career goal?” to stressing over “Why did they talk to me like that?”—I found myself trapped in a never-ending cycle of overthinking. And the worst part? I didn’t even realize I was doing it.

When Overthinking Becomes a Habit

Overthinking isn’t just thinking a lot—it’s thinking about things that are out of your control. It drained my energy, killed my motivation, and even affected my health. Skipping meals, sleepless nights, and constant emotional turbulence became my new normal.

I spent hours replaying arguments in my head, imagining comebacks I never said, and worrying about scenarios that never happened. Sound familiar?

The Realization That Changed Everything

One day, while reading a self-help book, I came across a powerful idea:

“Overthinking is like watching random YouTube videos when you searched for something important—three hours later, you’re watching ‘How do pandas sleep?’ and you still don’t have your answer.”

This hit hard. I realized my thoughts were jumping from one worry to another—without intention, without control.

The Turning Point: Awareness & Action

The moment I understood I was overthinking, I asked myself just one question:

“Is this situation under my control?”

If the answer was yes, I’d think of an action plan.

If the answer was no, I’d stop wasting mental energy on it.

This single question helped me become mindful in the present and gave me a sense of calm clarity.

Techniques That Helped Me Escape the Overthinking Trap

Here are a few techniques that made a big difference in my mental well-being. I still use them today whenever my mind feels too noisy.

✅ 1. Let Yourself Overthink… Temporarily

Sounds weird, right? But resisting thoughts only gives them more power. I allow my mind to “flow” like a river—just observe the thoughts without judging them. Let them pass. It works.

✅ 2. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

This helped bring me back to the now. Sit straight, take a deep breath, and:

Name 5 things you can see
Name 4 things you can feel
Name 3 things you can hear
Name 2 things you can smell
Name 1 thing you can taste

This simple activity reconnects you with the present and calms your anxiety.

✅ 3. Write It Out: Journaling

Sometimes your mind needs to vent. And when no one’s around, paper is your best friend. I started journaling everything—from what’s bothering me to what I’m grateful for. It’s like emptying your brain onto a page.

✅ 4. Do Something Uplifting

When I felt mentally heavy, I did something I loved—ate my favorite food, walked in a park, visited a peaceful spot, or even watched a feel-good movie. These little joys helped shift my mood.

✅ 5. Speak to Yourself Kindly

I started talking to myself like I would to a best friend. I’d say:

“It’s okay to feel this way.”
“You’re learning and growing.”
“You’ve come a long way and I’m proud of you.”

Saying these words out loud or in front of a mirror made a big difference.

It’s Okay to Overthink—Just Don’t Let It Control You

I still overthink sometimes. I still get stuck in “what-ifs.” But now, I know how to return to myself. I know when to pause, when to breathe, and when to act.

And if your overthinking ever feels too much to handle, it’s absolutely okay to seek professional help. Therapy is not weakness—it’s self-respect.