Why you can't stop overthinking

Why can't you stop overthinking? In one famous study, people left alone with their thoughts for 15 minutes chose to give themselves electric shocks rather than just sit and think. Your brain really doesn't like being alone with itself. In this video: why your mind keeps replaying everything, why overthinking feels productive but isn't, and 5 science-backed ways to stop overthinking. Number one is the strangest, and it takes about 30 seconds. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 The electric shock experiment 0:31 Why your brain overthinks 0:50 Your mind wanders 47% of the time 1:21 Your brain is a problem detector 1:41 Overthinking isn't problem solving 2:06 #5 Breathe out longer (the cyclic sigh) 2:42 #4 Go for a walk outside 3:12 #3 Name the feeling 3:42 #2 Write the worry down 4:14 #1 Make a plan, not a solution 5:09 Quick recap ▶ Watch next:    • How to Calm Your Nervous System in 60 Seconds   🔔 Subscribe:    / @dotandline-u9r   📚 Sources • Wilson et al. (2014). Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind. Science • Killingsworth & Gilbert (2010). A wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Science • Lyubomirsky & Nolen-Hoeksema (1995). Effects of self-focused rumination on negative thinking and interpersonal problem solving. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology • Balban et al. (2023). Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Reports Medicine • Bratman et al. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. PNAS • Lieberman et al. (2007). Putting feelings into words: affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity. Psychological Science • Ramirez & Beilock (2011). Writing about testing worries boosts exam performance in the classroom. Science • Masicampo & Baumeister (2011). Consider it done! Plan making can eliminate the cognitive effects of unfulfilled goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology This video is for education, not medical advice. If overthinking or anxiety is taking over your life, please talk to a doctor or a mental health professional. #overthinking #psychology #anxiety #mentalhealth #science