Overthinking: When Your Brain Becomes a Hamster Wheel

Ever catch yourself replaying conversations and scenarios on loop? Welcome to overthinking. You know that thing your brain does at 2 a.m.? Yep...overthinking. Overthinking isn’t your friend. It pretends to protect you, but it's really just a sneaky little trauma response that makes you believe you’re “just being cautious,” when in reality, you’re running mental marathons that get you nowhere. 🙃

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “But Adrienne, I just want to be prepared!”

Beloved… that’s not preparation. That’s paralysis.

Overthinking convinces you that running every possible scenario will protect you. But here’s the truth: all it really does is keep you stuck, create false narratives that don’t even exist, and rob you of peace. It’s like paying rent in a house you don’t even live in.

And let’s be real - overthinking doesn’t just show up in one area. It seeps into relationships, work, finances, even your walk with God. Instead of making decisions, you spiral. Instead of moving forward, you freeze. And instead of trusting God, you try to play God - and He doesn't need your help (smile).

But good news: you don’t have to stay trapped in this cycle. Here are 5 Christ-centered ways to stop overthinking before it steals another moment of your life.

1. Catch the Lie and Call It Out

Most overthinking starts with a lie -“What if I fail? What if they leave? What if I’m not enough?” Pause right there. Identify the thought and measure it against the Word of God.

👉 “Take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV). If it doesn’t align with God’s truth, toss it out like yesterday’s leftovers.

2. Trade “What Ifs” for “Even Ifs”

Instead of spiraling on “What if this goes wrong?”, try “Even if it does, God is still in control.”That simple shift snatches the power away from fear. Daniel’s friends in the fiery furnace said, “Our God will deliver us… but even if not, we will not bow” (Daniel 3:17–18). That’s faith.

3. Set a Timer on It

Overthinkers will analyze the paint off a wall. 🙃 Give yourself a set time - 10 minutes max, to pray, write down the options, and then make a decision. After that, it’s in God’s hands. Beloved, you’re not the Alpha and Omega—stop trying to run the universe from your couch.

4. Worship Instead of Worry

Every time you catch yourself spiraling, flip the script: turn on worship, pray out loud, or recite a scripture. Anxiety and worship can’t live in the same room. When you lift God higher, your problems shrink back into their proper size.

5. Phone a Friend (the Godly ones, of course!)

Sometimes you need your community to remind you who you are. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron.” Call your big sis or bro in Christ, your coach, or that prayer warrior friend who won’t let you drown in your thoughts.

Final Word

Overthinking feels safe, but it’s a counterfeit comfort. It doesn’t protect you—it paralyzes you. The real safety is found in Jesus, who offers you peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

So, the next time your mind starts running like it’s training for the Olympics, stop and ask yourself: “Is this me trying to control the outcome, or am I trusting God with the outcome?”

Because beloved, peace is better than fake control—every single time. 🕊️

With grace and a little tough love,

Adrienne K.