What to Do When You Overthink at 2 AM (and All Other Hours of the Day)
7 phrases to help you relax when you’re stressed.
My mind can untangle and spiral like a yo-yo if I let it. One thought can easily lead to morbid or anxious thoughts, especially in the middle of the night (which, thanks to my bladder, happens often).
I used to let it happen because I didn’t realize it was a problem. Daily, my thoughts would messily unravel like a cassette tape. My showers — the place with no distractions — became a place where my dark thoughts could come out and play in the water.
A bad writing day would lead to insecure thoughts that made me want to curl up in bed and sleep. A fight with a family member made me believe our relationship would never again be the same. Every situation felt like it could lead to a worst-case scenario.
But I’m not alone. A study done by the University of Michigan found that “73 percent of 25–35 year-olds overthink compared to 52 percent of 45–55 year-olds.” The study also showed that overthinking can lead to depression, anxiety, and interferes with problem-solving.
One night my family had gone to visit my aunt, but I’d stayed behind to finish some work. At around 10 pm, I texted our group chat to see if they were on their way back home. When they…
