The physical impact of overthinking

Have you found that intense periods of overthinking leave you feeling physically and mentally exhausted?

It’s not surprising really, here's what's happening in your body:

• When you overthink, your nervous system treats those out-of-control thoughts as potential threats which trigger your stress response.
• Each overstimulated thought loop activates your sympathetic nervous system which releases stress hormones as if you're facing a real danger when you’re probably not.
• Your body can't distinguish between real and imagined threats, so mental spiralling creates physical tension

The impact on your system, and subsequently your performance:
• Mental exhaustion from constant alertness
• Physical tension in your body leading to pain
• Disrupted sleep patterns, leaving you in a low mood and with low energy
• Decreased ability to think clearly

By overthinking, you’re not only causing mental stress, it’s going to show up and stress out your body.

Understanding this connection is one step in breaking the cycle of overthinking.

Next time you notice you’re overthinking, pause and take three deep breaths. It seems too simple. But this small act signals safety to your nervous system.

How do you notice overthinking showing up in your body?