Overthinking is the habit of excessively analyzing, dwelling on, or worrying about situations, decisions, or events, often leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. You might find yourself replaying past conversations, thinking about how you could have said something differently, or imagining future scenarios that may never happen.

It’s easy to create situations in your mind that feel much bigger than they actually are, turning minor concerns into endless loops of ruminative thinking. Sometimes, your thoughts can cause more harm than the actual events you’re stressing about.

Overanalyzing everything and dwelling on “what-ifs” can lead to unnecessary anxiety, leaving you stuck in a loop of negative thinking. It’s a mental trap that can feel exhausting, making even simple situations seem overwhelming.

Here are two simple strategies you can practice to break free from the habit of overthinking.

Intrusive thoughts can catch you off guard, mainly when you’re focused on something important, like preparing for a presentation or an upcoming meeting. Out of nowhere, a thought may arise: “I’m going to........

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