Mentally Holding 23 Tabs Open? This is for You

Because sometimes your brain is a browser with 37 tabs open, and music playing somewhere.

“Overthinking is the biggest waste of human energy.”

There’s a specific kind of chaos that lives in the mind of an overthinker. If you know, you know.

Overthinking feels like anxiety-induced suffocation of the mind. Like standing in a hallway full of doors and having no idea which one leads out. Like you’re watching the same part of a movie over and over, hoping it’ll end differently this time—but it doesn’t. It’s exhausting. It’s loud. And it’s so hard to explain to people who don’t live with it.

For me, overthinking hits in both big moments and small ones. Sometimes it’s when I’m trying to make a major life decision. Sometimes it’s when I’m sending a message, or after a conversation when I start replaying what I said, how I said it, and whether I sounded “off.” And sometimes it’s when I’m just getting to know someone new, wondering if what I’m seeing is real or if I’m about to repeat a pattern I’ve already lived through.

It shows up as self-doubt. Stress. Perfectionism. “What if” spirals. And sometimes, if I’m being honest, I self-sabotage just to relieve the pressure of having to figure anything out.

It’s wild how convincing your brain can be when it’s spiraling.

But here’s what I’ve learned: You don’t always have to believe your thoughts.

You can interrupt them.

You can learn to ground yourself, slowly but surely, by returning to what you know is true—over what your fear is screaming at you. And sometimes, those interruptions don’t have to be deep or poetic or “healing.” They just have to be effective.

So here are a few real, slightly unhinged—but shockingly effective—ways I’ve pulled myself back from the edge of a spiral:

• Repeat what you know is true. Ground yourself in facts, not feelings. If you know someone cares about you, remind yourself of that until it starts to feel real again.

• Question your thoughts. Ask, “Is this helpful?” “Is this actually true?” “Am I assuming the worst?” Bring the spiral into the light.

• Ground yourself in the present. Touch something. Breathe slowly. Focus on where your feet are.

• Take an ice-cold shower. It’s like a factory reset for your brain. Chaotic but effective.

• 20 jumping jacks + aggressive yelling. Sounds ridiculous, but it confuses your nervous system into calming down.

• Eat something spicy. When you’re focused on surviving a hot pepper moment, you’re too busy to spiral.

• Fake job interview. Full outfit. Sit down and explain your spiral to an imaginary interview panel. Watch how fast it stops making sense.

It’s strange. It’s human. And it works.

You’re not broken. Your brain is just busy.

I used to think I had to “cure” overthinking. Now I just try to care for it. To notice it without letting it lead. To give myself grace when my thoughts run loud. Because I’ve realized that being gentle with my mind is one of the strongest things I can do.

You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.

You’re allowed to pause. To slow down. To not chase every thought that shows up.

The world moves fast. Your mind might move faster. But you’re still allowed to soften. You’re still allowed to exhale. And if all else fails… try the jumping jacks.

You’re still blooming—even in the mess.

Before you go…

What helps you come down from a spiral? I’d love to hear how you ground yourself, comment below or message me anytime. Let’s remind each other we’re not alone.