Do you consider yourself to be an overthinker? Overthinking is a very common trait among most adults today. In fact, over 70% of people between the ages of 25 and 35, and over half of people aged 45-55, are considered to be chronic overthinkers. But overthinking can often lead to more severe health impairments like depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and chronic health conditions. So what can we do to calm our overactive minds? To stop the worrying brain and finally begin to live the life we were meant to live? This week, I discuss the opportunity cost associated with an overthinking mind. I explain what the amygdala is, how it works, and how high worry and stress levels can impact your health and wellbeing. I explain how overthinking affects your ability to process emotions properly. I discuss the merry-go-round of anxious, negative thoughts and the power of giving yourself permission to choose which thoughts you give attention to. I highlight how overthinking often leads to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and deepening depression, as well as puts strains on your existing relationships. I also discuss when you should seek medical help and share strategies to help you calm your overthinking mind. “You can’t always control your thoughts – nobody can. But you can control what thoughts you pay attention to.” - Dr. Mark Rowe This week on In the Doctor’s Chair: ●     The ‘default position’ of the human mind●     Understanding the amygdala and its primary function●     How stress and worry can impact your overall health and wellbeing●     How overthinking can affect your ability to process emotions●     The merry-go-round of anxious, negative thoughts and emotions●     Giving yourself permission to choose which thoughts you pay attention to●     The importance of learning from the past – without living there●     How overthinking can lead to anxiety, deepening depression, and feelings of self-doubt●     How overthinking can prevent you from making decisions●     When to seek medical help●     Strategies to calm your overthinking mind●     The value of self-compassion In the Doctor’s Chair Thanks for listening to In the Doctor’s Chair, the show where you’ll hear conversations that share life lessons, health habits, and leadership practices that focus on positive psychology, lifestyle medicine, and ways for you to live with more vitality. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a comment wherever you listen to your podcasts. For more resources to help you to live with more vitality, please visit my website (https://drmarkrowe.com/). Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-doctors-chair/id1493220708?uo=4) I TuneIn (https://tunein.com/radio/In-The-Doctors-Chair-p1412300/?topicId=161140979) I Google Play (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMTI1YWNhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==) I Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/audioadrenaline/in-the-doctors-chair) I Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/16d1a2PJoWOCoEZ9kaTO71)