Overthought: meaning, definitions and examples

Psychology

• Overthinking is often linked to anxiety, where someone can’t stop worrying about what could go wrong.
• It can lead to 'analysis paralysis' where a person feels stuck and unable to make decisions.
• Studies show that overthinking can increase stress and could affect physical health, like causing headaches.

Cognitive Science

• Our brains are wired to evaluate risks, but sometimes they take this too far, leading to excessive rumination.
• Neuroscience suggests that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, can become overloaded during overthinking.
• Mindfulness practices are shown to be effective in helping to reduce overthinking by bringing focus to the present.

Literature

• Famous writers, like Virginia Woolf, often portrayed characters struggling with overthought, showcasing internal conflicts.
• In contemporary fiction, protagonists commonly face the challenge of overthinking as a way to characterize their indecision.
• Poetry often captures the essence of overthinking, exploring themes of doubt and existential questioning.

Pop Culture

• Many songs, movies, and TV shows depict the theme of overthinking in relationships, highlighting misunderstandings.
• Popular memes often humorously illustrate the struggle of overthinking with relatable scenarios.
• Self-help books often discuss how to overcome overthinking, becoming a trend in modern mental wellness culture.

Self-Help

• Techniques like journaling and meditation are frequently recommended to help lessen the habit of overthinking.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to challenge and change the patterns associated with overthinking.
• Setting limits on how long you will think about something can be a practical solution to reduce overthought.