Psychology of Overthinking (And How to Switch Your Mind Off on Command)

It's 1:14 a.m., you've read the same text eleven times, and your brain won't let it go. 🐻 Overthinking isn't a flaw you were born with, and trying harder to stop it is exactly what keeps it running. In this animated psychology breakdown we look at why a suppressed thought comes back stronger, why your brain believes worry keeps you safe, and why 91.4% of the worries in one study never came true. Then five research-backed ways to take away what your overthinking gets paid with, so the thoughts show up and actually leave. Sources used: Daniel Wegner et al., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1987 — the white bear experiment Adrian Wells, Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 1995 — the metacognitive model and worry about worry Lucas LaFreniere & Michelle Newman, Behavior Therapy, 2020 — how many worries never come true Edward Watkins & Michelle Moulds, Emotion, 2005 — abstract "why" versus concrete "how" thinking E. J. Masicampo & Roy Baumeister, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2011 — how a plan quiets an unfinished task Gregory Bratman et al., PNAS, 2015 — a walk in nature and rumination Chapters: 0:00 — Eleven reads of one text 1:00 — Don't think of a white bear 2:02 — Worry about worry 4:21 — The question with no finish line 6:08 — Why your brain gets paid 7:42 — Training the loop at night 9:18 — Five ways to stop paying it 14:25 — What actually changes 15:05 — Seneca's bill that never comes 🔔 Subscribe for more animated psychology about how your mind really works.