Overthinking vs Women
How do you feel when you wake up? The day hasn’t even begun, yet there’s no time for yourself. From the moment your eyes open, everyone is dependent on you—to soothe them, to take care of their needs. You push through the morning, holding onto the hope that the afternoon will bring a moment of peace. But when it finally arrives, life throws something unexpected your way, or guilt creeps in, whispering that you don’t deserve this time for yourself.
As night falls, the weight of the day settles in. You find yourself replaying all the things that weren’t done, went wrong, or still need to be done. Before you know it, the clock reads midnight, and you realize you only have four hours left to sleep before it all starts again.
Overthinking is a silent struggle many women face, manifesting in various forms depending on the roles they play. While the details may vary, the underlying theme remains the same—an overwhelming sense of anxiety, self-doubt, and fear
Here are three relatable scenarios we as women tend to overthink about:
The Overthinking Mom: A Battle for Control and Worth
For many mothers, the day begins with a relentless drive to maintain control.
From the moment she wakes up, her mind races with a checklist of tasks—packing lunches, managing schedules, ensuring everyone’s needs are met.
The sense of responsibility is immense, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of overthinking every decision.
She wonders if she’s doing enough, sacrificing too much, or not giving enough of herself. The nagging thoughts creep in: Am I a good enough mother? Am I failing my children? Despite her best efforts, she may feel unworthy, as if nothing she does is ever enough. This constant mental replay can lead to exhaustion, where even a minor hiccup in the day feels like a personal failure. Overthinking becomes a way of life, as she struggles to find balance and reclaim a sense of control over her world.
The Social Overthinker: Trapped in Self-Doubt
Imagine being invited to a party—a night meant for fun and relaxation. But for some women, the anticipation is overshadowed by a whirlwind of self-doubt and anxiety.
The mirror becomes an adversary, reflecting insecurities about appearance: Is this outfit right? Does my hair look okay? Will people think I’ve gained weight?
The overthinking doesn’t stop at looks. It extends to behavior, beliefs, and the fear of judgment. She replays conversations in her head, worrying about saying the wrong thing or coming across as awkward.
By the time she arrives, she’s physically present but mentally exhausted, feeling disconnected from the moment. The overthinking voice whispers that something is wrong with her—that she’s different, flawed in some way. This constant internal battle can make social interactions feel like a minefield, where one wrong step could confirm her worst fears.
The Unsafe World Overthinker: Navigating Fear and Security
For some women, life itself feels like an unsafe, unpredictable place. This mindset can lead to an intense form of overthinking centered around safety and security.
Every decision, big or small, is weighed against a backdrop of fear: What if something bad happens? What if I’m not prepared?
Whether it’s driving at night, walking alone, or even making financial decisions, the world seems filled with potential dangers.
This overthinking isn’t just about personal safety—it extends to a broader fear that something is fundamentally wrong with the world.
The news, societal issues, and global events feed into this anxiety, making it difficult to find peace of mind. Over time, this hyper-awareness can lead to a constant state of vigilance, where the mind is always on high alert, scanning for threats that may or may not exist.
Overthinking is a powerful force that can shape how women experience the world.
Whether it’s a mother questioning her worth, a woman navigating social anxieties, or someone trying to find security in an uncertain world, the mental load can be overwhelming.
Overthinking robs you of being present with your loved ones, staying in the moment, focusing on what matters, and functioning at your best. It convinces you that peace of mind isn’t possible—but it is. You can experience mental clarity, feel more positivity, and find safety within your own mind.
Having recovered from high-functioning anxiety, I understand what it's like, and I wish I had known that I could be in control of my mind—it doesn’t have to operate that way. You can find peace of mind, even amidst worries. If you're interested in learning about this, stay tuned for my upcoming workshop “Underthink It”, which will cover tips and tricks to combat overthinking.