Stop Thinking So Much!

Posted on January 08, 2023 by Geraldine Anathan, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

When we spend too much time thinking, our default mode network (DMN) can become overactive, leading to negative emotions and ultimately depression. The DMN is a network of brain regions that becomes active when we are not focused on the external world, such as when we daydream or ruminate. While the DMN serves an important purpose in helping us process our thoughts and emotions, it can also cause us to get stuck in negative thought patterns if we spend too much time in this state.

One way that rumination can lead to depression is by creating a vicious cycle. When we ruminate, we tend to focus on negative thoughts and emotions, which can create a negative emotional state. This negative emotional state can then lead to more rumination, which reinforces the negative thoughts and emotions. Over time, this cycle can become difficult to break, leading to persistent negative emotions and a greater risk of depression.

Another way that rumination can contribute to depression is by decreasing our ability to engage in positive activities. When we ruminate, we may feel too overwhelmed or distracted to engage in activities that bring us joy or a sense of accomplishment. This can lead to a decrease in positive emotions and an increase in negative emotions, which can contribute to depression.

It is important to try to break the cycle of rumination and to engage in activities that can help to improve our mood. This may include exercises like mindfulness meditation or talking to your coach about your thoughts and feelings. By taking steps to break the cycle of rumination and increase positive emotions, we can help to prevent the onset of depression and improve our overall mental well-being.