A Day in the Life of an Overthinking Brain
You sent a message to your crush, turned down a plan, and now you can’t sleep at night because old thoughts from your childhood are resurfacing. This all leads to a spiral in your mind that keeps growing, eventually forming a web of "overthinking." Before you know it, your head starts to ache, your hair begins to fall out, and you genuinely feel like you’re losing it! Who among you has experienced something similar? (I definitely have, and still do occasionally). With this mental spiral happening, what happens to the three main parts of our brain? And which sub-parts are involved? Two of those questions will certainly be answered in today’s post! Oh, and I should mention that I’m not a huge fan of neurology, but I’ve found a way to make it more enjoyable. Do you want to know how? Then keep reading!
I am excited to introduce the members of the "Overthinking Spiraling" team! Each participant has a unique set of skills that they would like to showcase. You'll not only get to see their talents but also have the opportunity to learn in an engaging and unconventional way. Let's begin with the introductions of our team members:
Participant 1: Cortisol
Hi, I’m Cortisol, and I am secreted by the adrenal gland. I’m often referred to as the “stress hormone,” and many people don’t really like me because I tend to create a lot of stress! Here’s how it works: Imagine you’re working on your math homework. At first, you can solve most of the problems with ease, thanks to my friend, Serotonin, the “good hormone,” which keeps you motivated! However, after a while, you might encounter a particularly tough problem that leaves you feeling confused. That’s when I step in, leading to added stress and overthinking. This can quickly spiral into what I call the "Overthinking Spiral." Sorry, but that’s just the way it is! Until next time!
Participant 2 : Cerebral Cortex
Hello everyone! We often come in pairs. Our names might sound a bit intimidating and lengthy, but trust us, we are here to help you (at least, until we aren't!). Allow me to introduce myself; I am the “Cerebral Cortex,” the “thinker and planner” of the brain. I am responsible for storing all your good memories, learning, and languages. However, when I get caught in an “overthinking spiral,” I can make you obsess over the smallest things you've said or done.
Participant 3: Amygdala
Now, it's time for the third participant to speak. Let me introduce myself—I am Amygdala. You can also refer to me as the “almond” of the brain, because my shape resembles one! I play a crucial role in storing memories, but I am also the part of the brain responsible for processing feelings of fear. When the cerebral cortex is overstressed and you find yourself caught in a cycle of overthinking, it puts additional pressure on me. This, in turn, can lead to increased stress and tension in the muscles, heart, and other areas of the body.
Now, let’s return to reality—specifically, back to this blog post. I hope you found it both informative and enjoyable, and that you learned something new! After introducing all the participants in the “overthinking brain,” I’d like to conclude this post on a positive note by sharing some strategies for how to trick your brain into avoiding overthinking.
Distract yourself when you notice an overthinking pattern developing.
Pause and recognize the source of these thoughts.
Record your thoughts or write in a journal to express them.
Set aside time each day specifically for processing your overthinking.
If your overthinking becomes overwhelming, consider it a sign to seek professional help.
