Have you ever tried to quiet your mind, only to find the thoughts multiplying instead?
You might have told yourself, just stop thinking, but the harder you tried, the louder those thoughts became.
What if I told you that the source of overthinking doesn’t begin in the brain, but deep within the body?
Let me explain.
Overthinking is not all in your Mind
Many of us are familiar with the feeling of being caught in a loop of overthinking—thoughts racing through our heads, one after another. It can feel overwhelming, like there’s no off-switch. We often think the problem is purely mental, but the truth is that the body plays a huge role in how we think and feel.
In fact, overthinking is often the result of signals coming from the body rather than the mind alone. When we’re stressed or anxious, the body sends distress signals to the brain. In response, the brain tries to solve the problem by overanalyzing everything. The root of the issue is actually in the body’s nervous system.
Healing Overthinking Through the Body
I’d like to share the story of one of my clients, Sarah. She came to me feeling completely stuck in a cycle of overthinking. Every night, her mind would race with endless thoughts—about work, relationships, even small decisions. No matter what she did, she couldn’t quiet her mind.
When Sarah first came to my Yoga of Embodiment class, she admitted she didn’t know what to expect. This wasn’t a typical yoga session focused on flexibility or strength. The main focus was on nervous system regulation. The goal was to help her body feel safe enough to relax.
In that class, I guided Sarah and the other participants to move gently and slowly, paying close attention to their breath and the sensations within their bodies. At first, Sarah found it difficult—her thoughts still raced, and she couldn’t fully connect to the movements. But as the class went on, she began to soften. She noticed a shift in her body.
What Sarah didn’t realize was that her overthinking wasn’t just a mental problem. Her body had been carrying tension for years, keeping her nervous system in a constant state of alertness. It was as if her body was always waiting for something bad to happen, even when she was safe. This tension was triggering her mind to overthink.
By the end of the class, something powerful happened. Sarah felt a sense of calm that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Her thoughts didn’t disappear, but they slowed down, and for the first time in years, her body felt safe. This was the key—healing started when she felt safe enough to fully inhabit her body.
Through continued practice, Sarah learned to regulate her nervous system. As her body found safety, her mind naturally quieted. Her journey showed her that healing from overthinking wasn’t just about trying to control her thoughts; it was about calming her body first
Neuroception-The Body's Silent Scanner
What Sarah experienced is tied to something called neuroception. Neuroception is your body’s unconscious way of scanning the environment for safety or danger. This happens automatically, without you even being aware of it.
When your body senses safety, your nervous system stays calm. But when it perceives a threat—whether real or imagined—it sends signals to the brain, which often results in overthinking. Your brain, in turn, tries to make sense of these signals, leading to that endless loop of anxious thoughts.
The truth is, your body has a mind of its own, and it can trigger overthinking if it doesn’t feel safe. That’s why no amount of mental effort can truly quiet your thoughts if your nervous system is still in a state of fight or flight.
How to heal Overthinking through the Body
So, how can you break free from the cycle of overthinking?
The answer lies in working with your body, not against it. Practices like yoga, breathwork, and embodied movement can help regulate your nervous system and calm your body. When your body feels safe, your mind will naturally follow.
Here are a 3 simple steps you can take to begin:
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Focus on your breath – Take a few deep, slow breaths. Inhale for four counts, hold for two, and exhale for six counts. This helps activate the part of your nervous system that promotes relaxation.
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Move your body gently – Simple, slow movements can help release tension stored in your muscles. Try gentle stretching or yoga that focuses on mindful movement.
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Practice grounding – Sit or stand with your feet on the ground. Close your eyes and notice how your body feels in contact with the floor. This helps bring your awareness into your body and out of your head.
A gentle Reminder
Overthinking is not a problem that lives only in your mind—it’s your body’s way of signaling that something feels unsafe. By regulating your nervous system and making your body feel secure, you can quiet your mind. Healing starts when you feel safe enough to fully inhabit your body.
If you’re ready to explore this connection between body and mind, I invite you to check out my Online Sanctuary, The Embodied Voyage. Together, we can help your body find the safety it needs to release overthinking and embrace a state of calm.
To help you get started, I’ve created a Free Booklet on Overthinking filled with practical tips and somatic practices. You can download it here and begin your journey toward a more peaceful mind and body today.