When Thinking Traps You: Break the Overthinking Loop

In this episode we unpack why overthinking is a stress response, not a character flaw, and how your body drives the loop through cortisol, the amygdala and small dopamine hits. Learn simple, science-backed practices to ground your nervous system, interrupt the dopamine cycle, use soothing language, and contain worry with scheduled thinking time.

Practical tips include slow extended exhales, grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1), mindful movement, and improving sleep and routine to support cortisol regulation. The episode ends with a short guided breath to help you bring safety into the body so the mind can settle.