Breaking the Cycle of Overthinking

Lola Brooks

Let’s talk about something that, honestly, we all struggle with at some point—being stuck in our own heads. You know that feeling when your thoughts are running nonstop, and every little thing feels like it’s spiraling out of control? Yeah, that’s kind of what we’re diving into today. So, “being in your head”—what does that actually mean? At its core, it’s when your mind gets caught up in overthinking or overanalyzing, you know, like replaying a conversation you had last week or worrying about all the things that could go wrong tomorrow.

Lola Brooks

There’s actually research that backs this up—it’s not just something we make up when we’re feeling overwhelmed. A study by Killingsworth and Gilbert in 2010 looked at this phenomenon of mind-wandering, and here’s the big takeaway: the more our minds wander away from the present moment, the less happy we feel. The researchers went so far as to call it “a wandering mind is an unhappy mind.” I mean, how wild is that? The very thing that allows us to problem-solve—to anticipate and plan—also kind of works against us emotionally.

Lola Brooks

But let’s take this one step further, because it’s not just about our thoughts—it’s about how those emotions we bury can actually get stuck in our bodies. Dr. Kelly Vincent, a mind-body therapist, explains this idea really well. She says those unresolved traumas, or emotions we haven’t processed, can create what she calls an “energy roadblock” in our system. It’s like this invisible traffic jam that, over time, doesn’t just affect how we feel but can physically impact our bodies too. Think about it—our posture changes when we’re feeling confident versus when we’re, like, totally defeated, right? That’s not just in our heads—our bodies are feeling it too.

Lola Brooks

This connection between emotions, thoughts, and physical health—it’s really fascinating, but also, honestly, kind of sobering. Dr. Vincent even points out that trapped emotions can mess with our energy flow so much that it impacts how our organs and glands function. So, we’re talking about a potential link between emotional baggage and actual health problems, like illness or disease.

Lola Brooks

And these energy blockages, they don’t just shut us down on a physical level, they also drain us emotionally. It’s, like, this constant cycle where the unresolved stuff in our heads carries over into our bodies, making it even harder to break out of that loop.

Lola Brooks

So, let’s shift gears a bit and talk about why rumination—you know, those repetitive, unhelpful thoughts—plays such a huge role in anxiety and depression. Researchers Harrington and Blankenship, and later Nolen-Hoeksema, found that this habit of overthinking can actually increase depressive symptoms and put us more at risk for anxiety disorders. And I mean, this isn’t just about feeling low after a bad day—it’s something that can develop into serious mental health struggles if left unchecked.

Lola Brooks

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. When we’re stuck in that cycle—thinking the same thing over and over—it doesn’t just stay in our head. It’s like our body starts to absorb it too. There's an NIH study that looked at body-centered practices, like yoga, tai chi, and massage, and found them to be incredibly effective for mental health. These therapies work because, in a way, they help release the emotional roadblocks stored in our bodies.

Lola Brooks

Think about how you feel after getting a massage or finishing a yoga class—it’s not just that your muscles are relaxed, right? It’s like your mind feels calmer too. This connection between releasing physical tension and emotional well-being is what makes therapies like these such powerful tools. The NIH study even showed that these techniques can alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety, and improve emotional balance across a wide range of people.

Lola Brooks

And then there’s mindfulness. This is one of those things that sounds simple but can be so transformative when practiced regularly. By focusing on the present moment, whether through meditation or other mindful exercises, we’re not just calming the mind—we’re creating space for emotional release. A lot of research shows how this can improve not only your mental health but also physical outcomes like your heart health or sleep quality. It’s fascinating, really, how much our minds and bodies are intertwined.

Lola Brooks

Ultimately, prioritizing these kinds of practices—whether it’s stretching out on a yoga mat or setting aside time for mindfulness—allows us to process emotions and let go of the things weighing us down. It’s not about forcing ourselves to be happy or ignoring what’s hard; it’s about creating pathways for energy to flow naturally, so we can actually move forward.

Lola Brooks

Alright, let’s dig into the good stuff—the tools and techniques you can use to quiet your mind and really center yourself in the present. First up, let’s talk about something simple but incredibly effective: deep breathing. Now, I know it sounds almost too simple, but so often, we go through our day without really paying attention to our breath. When stress kicks in, our breathing gets shallow, and that actually keeps us in a heightened state of tension. So, here’s what you can do. Try what’s called the 4-7-8 method. You inhale through your nose for four counts, hold it for seven, and then exhale for eight counts. Not only does this slow your heart rate, but it also triggers a relaxation response.

Lola Brooks

Another powerful tool? Body scans. This is a meditation practice where you consciously focus on different parts of your body, usually starting at your toes and working your way up. It’s a great way to reconnect with how you’re feeling physically and emotionally. And honestly, it can be done in just five to ten minutes. You don’t have to carve out an hour-long session—just lay down, close your eyes, and guide your attention through those body sensations. It’s about noticing, not judging. If you feel tension somewhere, acknowledge it, and then let it go as best as you can.

Lola Brooks

Now, let’s talk about journaling. This one’s a favorite because it’s so customizable. You can do gratitude journaling, where you jot down a few things you’re thankful for each day, or freewriting, where you just let whatever’s in your head spill onto the page. The key here is to make it a habit. Studies actually show that journaling helps reduce physical symptoms of stress and improves well-being, which is such a win when you’re trying to stay grounded.

Lola Brooks

And then there’s mindfulness exercises, like moving meditation. This could be something like tai chi or even a slow walk where you’re fully focused on your steps and your surroundings. These kinds of practices bring that mind-body connection into focus. And if meditation feels overwhelming at first, start small. Even two minutes of focusing on your breath or feeling the ground beneath your feet can make a difference. It’s all about being present without pushing yourself beyond what feels manageable.

Lola Brooks

It’s also important to build a routine that fits your life. Like, you can combine some of these techniques—a quick morning journal session, followed by a few deep breaths before starting work. And remember, this isn’t about doing it perfectly or adding another thing to your to-do list. It’s about giving yourself those small moments to reset and reconnect, bit by bit, day by day.

Lola Brooks

So there you have it—some straightforward, accessible tools for staying connected to the present and releasing the clutter in your mind. Remember, it’s about finding what works for you and making it a practice that you can actually stick with. And on that note, that’s all for today. Take care of yourselves, be kind to your mind, and I’ll catch you next time on Living in Technicolor.