What Is Repetitive Thinking?

Have you ever entered a cycle of repeating negative thoughts, such as "What if I'm not good enough?" or "What if something bad happens?" You could be experiencing repetitive thinking, or rumination, when these thoughts are negative in nature.

Rumination itself is not a mental illness. It's common among people with mental health conditions like anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

There are a few key tools that can help you manage your mind, whether you've just started having these repetitive thoughts or you've been dealing with them for a while. Read on to learn about repetitive thinking and how to stop it.

What Is Rumination? 

Rumination means obsessive, repetitive thinking that impairs mental activity. These negative thoughts can worsen mood and energy. People sometimes isolate themselves, leading to paranoia, irritability, and anger.

Rumination can lead to other complications like:

• Chronic stress due to prolonged stress response
• Inflammation 
• Negatively affected mental activity, including thinking and processing emotions 
• Substance use disorders 
• Worsened anxiety, depression, impulsive behaviors, and sleep problems

There's a difference between general worry and rumination. Worry is often a future-focused concern like "Am I going to be OK?" or "Will my family be safe?" Rumination tends to be focused on the past or immediate present like, "Am I ever going to feel any better?" or "What did that person think of me?"

Causes 

Rumination can show up with mental health disorders, including anxiety and OCD. It's not always clear whether rumination came first or the disorder did. Both can leave you feeling stuck in a cycle of negative thinking.

Several things can trigger repetitive thinking, including:

• A desire to ruminate to solve or understand a problem 
• A history of emotional or physical trauma
• Stressors, such as those related to health, relationships, school, or work

How To Stop Repetitive Thinking 

It can be hard to stop intrusive, negative thoughts. To break the cycle, you may try identifying and challenging these thoughts as early as possible. Here are a few ways to stop rumination.

1. Challenge the Thoughts

Try noticing when repetitive thoughts are happening. Examine whether the thought is moving you forward or leaving you stuck. 

Ask yourself a few questions: Is this serving you? Are you going to have an answer to this right now? What else can you do? It's time to try a different tactic if you can't solve whatever you're thinking about right now.

2. Consider Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy is a common treatment for people with anxiety and OCD. A therapist can help you figure out why you experience rumination. They can help you identify negative thoughts and possible root causes that you may be able to address.

3. Distract Yourself

Taking your mind off the thought your brain is thinking about can bring relief. Puzzles, for example, can improve mindfulness and overall mood states and divert attention from painful rumination.

Re-engaging in hobbies and interests that bring you joy can also be effective. Self-expression is another way of helping with rumination and preventing it. Other activities might be checking in with friends and family or engaging in physical activity.

Be wary of activities that don't work, and pay attention to substance use. Anything that can be addicting in that way, whether it's screen time or substances, can be short-term fixes as opposed to the long-term.

4. Do Something You Haven't Done Before

A lack of novel stimuli—seeing the same four walls, the same people, the same news stories again and again—can often lead to repetitive thoughts. Give yourself some novel stimuli. Changing your environment can be very helpful. 

Go on a walk in a part of your neighborhood you haven't seen before. Get into nature, maybe a park or a trail you haven't walked before. Consider going to a place where you have positive memories if you want to go somewhere you've already been.

5. Focus On Healthy Habits

Get your sleep in order, eat well, and stay in touch with friends and family. Sleep is especially important. You have more control over your brain when you're more rested. It's less likely to fall into the traps of overthinking, rumination, and worry.

6. Identify Triggers

It might help to keep track of what triggers repetitive thinking. Keep a journal of what you're doing, what time of day it is, and where you are when these thoughts enter your mind.

You may be able to notice a pattern and then take steps to avoid triggers. Research has shown that journaling can also help you relax and ease anxiety symptoms.

7. Talk to Others

It's normal to feel isolated if repetitive thinking becomes overwhelming. You may find comfort in confiding in a family member or friend. They might offer a different perspective on your worries, which can break the cycle.

8. Try Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques can help ease anxiety symptoms, such as rumination. Try deep breathing, meditation, or practicing mindfulness. These grounding exercises can redirect your focus away from negative thoughts.

Find a quiet place to sit down, close your eyes, and take a few breaths. Try repeating some positive affirmations, such as "I am safe."

A Quick Review

The repetition of negative thoughts, or rumination, can significantly impact a person's life. These thoughts can cause a lack of energy or a worsened mood, but they're only temporary. There are plenty of ways to get you out of this headspace and move forward. Try finding a distraction, engaging in a new hobby, or practicing healthy sleep patterns.