How I Overcame Overthinking After a Breakup

Overthinking is a silent monster that consumes your mind, keeping you awake at night and making you question everything. I know this feeling all too well.After my breakup, sleep became a distant memory. I spent countless nights staring at the ceiling, watching the fan spin in endless loops—just like my thoughts. The empty wall, where our photos once hung, felt like a constant reminder of everything I had lost. The worst part? I never got closure. My mind replayed every moment, searching for answers. What went wrong? Was it my fault? Could I have done something differently? These unanswered questions tormented me.

Then, one day, everything shifted.

The Quote That Changed Everything

While scrolling through Instagram one morning, I came across a Sanskrit quote:

"सर्वस्यापि भवेद्धेतुः" (Sarvasyāpi bhavedhetuḥ) "There is a cosmic reason for everything; nothing is random."

For some reason, those words struck me deeply. I read them over and over until they sank in. It felt as if the universe had handed me the answer I had been desperately searching for. I realized that some things in life happen beyond our understanding, and trying to make sense of them only fuels unnecessary pain. From that moment on, I made a conscious effort to let go of the need for explanations. Instead of dwelling on the past, I started trusting that life unfolds as it’s meant to. Repeating this phrase daily became my way of breaking free from the cycle of overthinking.

Understanding the Trap of Overthinking

Psychologically, overthinking stems from uncertainty and fear. Our brains crave patterns and explanations, which is why we replay situations, hoping to find clarity. But not every question has an answer, and seeking one can lead to analysis paralysis—a state where excessive thought blocks decision-making and peace of mind.Studies show that prolonged overthinking increases anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion. In cases like heartbreak, the brain registers emotional pain similarly to physical pain, making it even harder to move on.

How I Trained My Mind to Stop Overthinking

The Sanskrit quote was my turning point, but I also adopted a few practices that helped me break free:

1. Focusing on the Present – I practiced mindfulness by paying attention to small, everyday moments. Simple things like breathing deeply, taking a walk, or listening to music helped me stay in the present.
2. Writing My Thoughts Down – Journaling became my emotional release. Putting my thoughts on paper allowed me to see which fears were real and which were just noise.
3. Getting Active – Exercise helped clear my mind. Running, lifting weights, or even a long walk released the restless energy that fueled my overthinking.
4. Limiting Triggers – I took a break from social media, especially from content that reminded me of my past. I unfollowed anything that triggered unnecessary thoughts.
5. Trusting the Flow of Life – I began believing that if something didn’t work out, it meant something better was coming. Letting go of control and trusting the process gave me peace.

The Power of Letting Go

Overthinking is like gripping a burning rope—the tighter you hold, the more it hurts. The only way to free yourself is to let go.What I learned from my breakup is that closure isn’t always about getting answers. Sometimes, it’s about accepting the unknown and finding peace within yourself.So if you’re struggling with overthinking, remember this: There is a cosmic reason for everything. Nothing is random. You may not see it now, but one day, everything will make sense.

Until then, live in the moment, trust the journey, and let go of the past.