Overthinking Is Stealing Your Life Currency
Here's the Zen Practice That Reclaims It
Overthinking is a hidden drain on modern life
It clutters your mind, hijacks your energy, and leaves you stuck in loops of worry, planning, and analysis.
In Zen, there’s a saying:
“Don’t seek the truth — just stop cherishing opinions, especially your own.”
Overthinking arises not because of what’s happening but because of our mental commentary about it.
The Zen parable of the second arrow & overthinking
The Zen Parable of the Second Arrow teaches that while suffering is a natural part of life, our response to it can either amplify or alleviate it.
The first arrow represents an unavoidable pain or hardship, such as a problem we’re facing. In contrast, the second arrow symbolizes the additional suffering we inflict upon ourselves through negative thoughts, judgments, or resistance to the initial pain… classic overthinking.
By recognizing and letting go of this unnecessary mental anguish, we can free ourselves from overthinking altogether.
Try this Zen practice to let go of overthinking:
The One-Line Mind Dump
Open your notebook and set a timer for two minutes.
Write down one topic that leads to overthinking — quickly, without censoring.
Then, write another on a new line.
When the timer ends, circle the one topic you want to stop overthinking.
Take three slow breaths.
Now, close your notebook.
How this works
This practice creates a healthy container for mental release.
By externalizing your thoughts and focusing on just one topic that you tend to overthink, you create mental spaciousness and return to the present moment.
Overthinking takes us out of the present. Coming back to the present moment is the key to contentment.