Overthinking is often described as spending too much time inside your own thoughts, especially when those thoughts stop being helpful. It usually happens when the mind keeps going over the same idea, situation, or decision again and again without actually moving forward.
Instead of leading to clarity, it tends to create a loop where different possibilities are constantly replayed. This can include imagining worst-case scenarios or questioning past actions, which often increases stress rather than solving anything.
It also pulls attention away from what is happening in the present, making it harder to relax or take simple steps forward. In many cases, the goal behind overthinking is to feel more certain or in control, but it ends up doing the opposite.