Negative Thoughts and Overthinking Are a Symptom of Unfelt Emotions

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts or overthinking, unable to escape the endless "what-if's" or worst-case scenarios playing out in your mind? While it's easy to assume this mental chatter is just a part of life, it's often a sign of something deeper...a message from your body that your emotions are being ignored or suppressed.

Overthinking isn't just a mental habit; it's your body's way of signaling that unprocessed emotions are trying to surface. When we push our feelings aside, whether it's sadness, anger, fear or even joy, those emotions don't disappear. Instead, they linger within us, looking for another outlet to express themselves. For many of us, this outlet shows up as racing thoughts or a negative internal dialogue. When you overthink, your mind is working overtime to avoid the discomfort of feeling. It's a defense mechanism, a distraction from what's happening in your heart and soul. But avoiding your emotions only prolongs the suffering. Negative thoughts are like alarms, reminding you that there's something within that needs your attention and care.

The key to breaking this cycle is allowing yourself to feel. Feeling your emotions might sound simple, but it can be one of the most challenging acts of self-compassion. Society often teaches us to suppress our feelings or "stay positive," but true healing comes when we create space to experience every emotion fully.

One powerful tool for reconnecting with your emotions is breathwork. When we overthink, we often disconnect from our bodies, and breathwork is a gentle way to bring us back. It anchors us in the present moment, helps us notice where emotions are being stored, and creates a safe space to feel them.

A Simple Breathwork Exercise to Help You Reconnect

1. Find a quiet space. Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable. Close your eyes if it feels safe for you.

2. Take a deep inhale through your nose for a count of 4. Feel your belly expand as you breathe in.

3. Hold your breath for a count of 4. During this pause, notice any sensations in your body. Where do you feel tightness or heaviness?

4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6. Visualize releasing tension or stuck emotions with each breath out.

5. Repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes. Stay curious about any sensations that arise. You might feel warmth in your chest, tingling in your hands, or a lump in your throat. These are signs of energy moving and emotions releasing.

   
   

   Breathwork not only calms the mind but also creates opportunity to explore where your emotions are stored; whether its in your chest, your stomach, or even your jaw. As you breathe, allow yourself to feel whatever comes up, without judgement or the need to fix it.

   
   

How to Start Allowing Yourself to Feel

When negative thoughts start spiraling, take a moment to pause and check in with your body. Breathe deeply and ask yourself, "What am I feeling right now?" Pay attention to physical sensations, tightness in your chest, a lump in your throat, or butterflies in your stomach could be clues to emotions you're holding onto. Once you've tuned in, name your feelings. Whether it's sadness, frustration, or fear, simply acknowledging the emotion can bring clarity and ease. Next, give yourself permission to feel without judgement. Cry if you need to, scream into a pillow, or write down your thoughts. Whatever your emotions need to flow, allow them to come out.

Remember, emotions are energy in motion. Blocking them only leads to stagnation and the mental clutter we often call overthinking. By letting your emotions move through you, you clear that energy and create space for peace, clarity, and even joy. The next time you find yourself trapped in negative thoughts, ask yourself: "What is my body trying to tell me? What am I avoiding feeling?" Then, give yourself permission to feel it all. Healing happens when we stop running from our emotions and start listening to them.

Breath by breath, step by step, you can reclaim your peace. You deserve to feel, heal, and live freely. Your mind and body are on the same team, they just need you to tune in.

Be Raw

Be Real

Be You.

Love,

Sunny