{"id":3338,"date":"2025-04-08T11:57:31","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T11:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/?p=3338"},"modified":"2026-02-19T10:16:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T10:16:07","slug":"stop-overthinking-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/stop-overthinking-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Tired of Overthinking at Work? Here are 7 Expert Tips to Help You"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Many employees get trapped in the vicious cycle of overthinking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it happens to you too, know you&#8217;re not alone \u2014 overthinking affects almost everyone, regardless of their position, experience, or even expertise in psychology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you finally beat all those overwhelming thoughts, we\u2019ve consulted the experts, and luckily, they shared many practical solutions you can implement right away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list key-takeaways\">\n<li class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Overthinking at work can cause anxiety, reduce productivity, and lead to burnout.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Lack of clarification, unclear expectations, and poor communication at work can trigger overthinking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Overthinking can be prevented with mindfulness, physical exercise, and other techniques.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"7-tips-on-how-to-overcome-overthinking-at-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7 tips on how to overcome overthinking at work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Overthinking in the workplace can cause job anxiety, lower productivity, and even lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/how-to-recover-from-burnout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">burnout<\/a>, so it\u2019s only natural that you want to prevent it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/eastongaines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr. Easton Gaines<\/a>, a Psychologist and Founder at MindCare Psychology, overthinking is <em>\u201ca cognitive trap: it feels like you\u2019re being thorough, but in reality, it slows decision-making, reduces creativity, and drains mental energy.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She adds: <em>\u201cThe goal isn\u2019t to stop thinking \u2014 it\u2019s to think better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, we asked Dr. Gaines and other experts to share practical tips on how to \u201c<em>think better\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-1-set-timeframes-for-making-decisions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #1: Set timeframes for making decisions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You often need to make countless decisions at work, especially if you\u2019re in a leadership position. The scope of responsibility can naturally lead to thoughts getting out of hand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Workplace Wellbeing Expert and Author, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/drhlamb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr. Heather Lamb<\/a>, suggests setting a specific timeframe for<strong> <\/strong>when you make decisions:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Heather-Lamb.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4393\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cBeing able to set boundaries around [professionals\u2019] decision-making is very effective in alleviating overthinking. If professionals were to set a timeframe within which they could analyze a situation, they would accordingly quickly set in action.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, Dr. Gaines suggests setting time limits but based on decision size:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Easton-Gaines.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4394\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cGive yourself a set amount of time \u2014 five minutes for small decisions, an hour for medium ones, a day for big ones. When the deadline hits, you make the best call with the information you have.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"flexible-banner banner-blue-light flex items-center py-4 pt-10 px-10 mb-8 overflow-hidden md:pt-4\">\n        <div class=\"banner-container w-full\">\n            <div class=\"flex items-center justify-center gap-10 flex-col md:flex-row\">\n                <div class=\"flex-1\">\n                                            <p class=\"font-humansans !text-2xl text-center !leading-tight text-white !mb-6 md:!mb-3 md:text-left md:!text-xl\">Start tracking time with Clockify today<\/p>\n                                        \n                                            <p class=\"!text-sm text-white text-center md:text-left md:!text-xs !mb-6 md:!mb-3\">No more guesswork \u2014 boost your team\u2019s productivity by allocating just the right amount of time for each task with Clockify.<\/p>\n                                        \n                    <div class=\"flex justify-center gap-3 mt-4 md:justify-start\">\n                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/signup\"  class=\"btn btn-secondary !text-xs font-normal px-6 py-2\">\n                                Get started                            <\/a>\n                                                \n                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/try\"  class=\"btn btn-transparent-no-border !text-xs font-normal px-6 py-2\">\n                                Learn more                            <\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"banner-image\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/banner-clockify.png\" alt=\"Start tracking time with Clockify today\">\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-2-stop-striving-for-perfection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #2: Stop striving for perfection&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re an overthinker, you likely prefer your work to be perfectly organized. While this is a valuable professional trait, it can lead to overanalyzing the tiniest details.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/charlessweet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr. Charles Sweet MD, MPH<\/a>, a Psychiatrist and Medical Advisor for Linear Health, overthinking is a common struggle that often stems from the desire to be perfect:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Charles-Sweet.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cOverthinking is a struggle everyone can relate to, especially when it comes to work. To be quite frank, even mental health professionals aren\u2019t immune to this. It\u2019s a very human experience.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>He suggests that overthinkers often burden themselves with questions like <em>\u201cWhat if I mess up?\u201d <\/em>or <em>&#8220;What if I say the wrong thing?\u201d, adding: \u201cIt\u2019s definitely exhausting, and a lot of overthinking comes from putting pressure on ourselves to be perfect.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of striving for perfection, Dr. Heather Lamb suggests pursuing progress<em>. <\/em>She adds that <em>\u201cmany high achievers overanalyze for fear of making the wrong decision, but it is important to learn the value of adaptability and trust one&#8217;s skill set.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a similar note, Dr. Gaines shares a practical tip on overcoming perfectionism:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Easton-Gaines.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4394\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cPerfectionism fuels overthinking. The truth? Good enough is almost always good enough. And done beats perfect every time. Try this: Set a \u2018B+ standard\u2019 for most decisions and tasks.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As she points out<em>: \u201cPerfection is fear in a fancy outfit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-3-focus-on-the-present\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #3: Focus on the present<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The past should stay where it is, as you can\u2019t change it. While focusing on the present moment is easier said than done, Dr. Sweet suggests the <em>\u201c5-5-5\u201d <\/em>rule for structuring your thoughts around the present:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Charles-Sweet.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cTry asking yourself, \u2018Will this matter in 5 days? 5 months? 5 years?\u2019 It\u2019s a helpful exercise that can reframe your perspective. Most of the time, you\u2019ll realize that whatever you\u2019re overthinking won\u2019t matter much in 5 months.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>And when you <em>\u201ccatch yourself looping in thoughts\u201d<\/em>, Dr. Gaines reminds:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Charles-Sweet.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cYou don\u2019t have to solve the whole problem \u2014 just take one small step. Ask: What is the next right step (not the best step, just the next one)? Send the email, make the call, draft the outline. Action builds momentum. Momentum drowns overthinking.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-4-ask-for-help-from-your-colleagues\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #4: Ask for help from your colleagues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An efficient way to combat overthinking in the workplace is to address all the ambiguities directly with your colleagues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An LMFT, Clinical Director and Co-Founder of California Behavioral Health, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/melissa-legere-398287b0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melissa Legere<\/a>, explains that <em>\u201coverthinking often happens when there&#8217;s too much information or uncertainty \u2014 and it can create a loop of indecision.\u201d<\/em> She adds that, <em>\u201chaving someone to bounce ideas off or get clarification from can ease that mental clutter.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Asking for feedback and guidance allows for more clarity and helps release stress. Therefore, Legere suggests that \u201c<em>by discussing your thoughts with a colleague or supervisor, you can gain perspective and make more confident decisions \u2014 rather than getting stuck in your head.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"flexible-banner banner-purple flex items-center py-4 pt-10 px-10 mb-8 overflow-hidden md:pt-4\">\n        <div class=\"banner-container w-full\">\n            <div class=\"flex items-center justify-center gap-10 flex-col md:flex-row\">\n                <div class=\"flex-1\">\n                                            <p class=\"font-humansans !text-2xl text-center !leading-tight text-white !mb-6 md:!mb-3 md:text-left md:!text-xl\">Effortless communication begins with Pumble<\/p>\n                                        \n                                            <p class=\"!text-sm text-white text-center md:text-left md:!text-xs !mb-6 md:!mb-3\">Enjoy unlimited chat history, threads, public and private channels, high-quality video calls, and more.<\/p>\n                                        \n                    <div class=\"flex justify-center gap-3 mt-4 md:justify-start\">\n                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\"  class=\"btn btn-secondary !text-xs font-normal px-6 py-2\">\n                                Get started                            <\/a>\n                                                \n                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/try\"  class=\"btn btn-transparent-no-border !text-xs font-normal px-6 py-2\">\n                                Learn more                            <\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"banner-image\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/banner-pumble.png\" alt=\"Effortless communication begins with Pumble\">\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Further reading<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure what constructive feedback actually looks like? Find out below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/remote-constructive-feedback\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Give Constructive Feedback in the Workplace: Best Examples and Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-5-organize-your-tasks-and-workspace\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #5: Organize your tasks and workspace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another common (but often overlooked) trigger of overthinking, is your physical and digital space organization. The truth is, <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/how-disorganization-affects-brain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">disorganization can impact your thoughts<\/a> negatively, Legere explains:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Melissa-Legere.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4396\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cOverthinking often gets worse when your workspace or to-do list is cluttered or disorganized. When things feel all over the place, your mind can start to feel the same way \u2014 making it harder to focus.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Legere suggests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Melissa-Legere.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4396\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cTry breaking down your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and prioritize them. Keep your workspace clean and tidy so you can focus on what\u2019s in front of you. This simple act of organization can help reduce that feeling of overwhelm, and make it easier to stay focused on what really matters.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Further reading<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are files in your computer a mess? We gathered tips to help you fix it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-time\/digital-declutter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Declutter Your Digital Space<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-6-practice-mindfulness\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #6: Practice mindfulness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Practicing mindfulness can also release job anxiety, Dr. Sweet explains:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Charles-Sweet.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cStaying grounded by meditating or doing deep breathing exercises between tasks can lower physiological stress. By staying present, you also reduce the urge to overthink and just focus on your workload.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A Psychotherapist and the Founder of The Mindful Loft Counselling and Psychotherapy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/stephanie-boucher-ab9683b0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stephanie Boucher<\/a>, highlights the following practical ways to reduce anxiety immediately, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">\n<li class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><em>\u201cBreathing exercises,&nbsp;<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><em>Movement (swaying back and forth to activate the nervous system\u2019s bilateral stimulation),&nbsp;<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><em>Progressive muscle relaxation, and&nbsp;<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><em>Grounding techniques (e.g. feel your feet on the floor, hold a warm drink, or notice five things around you).\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Further reading<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you feel like you\u2019re not as calm and collected at work as you\u2019d like to be? Here are some tips to help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/workplace-mindfulness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Experts Explain All You Need to Know About Mindfulness at Work<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-7-change-unhelpful-thinking-patterns\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #7: Change unhelpful thinking patterns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re not in a supportive work environment, the one that nurtures employee wellbeing, it&#8217;s natural to feel pressured and question your every move due to the lack of clarity. But, before learning to cope with the resulting thoughts, you\u2019ll need to recognize the environment as toxic first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Further reading<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A toxic work environment is a clear recipe for negativity, stress, and conflict \u2014 make sure to spot it in time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/toxic-work-environment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9 Key Signs of a Toxic Work Environment + Best Survival Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Stephanie Boucher explains how you can restructure your thoughts in response to such environments. Try thinking like this: <em>\u201cThe expectations are unclear so I am working with what I have\u201d<\/em> instead of<em> \u201cI am failing at my job, my boss is likely disappointed in me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Sweet shares additional advice on how to change unhelpful thinking patterns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Charles-Sweet.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cWhen you notice yourself spiraling at work, try naming your thought patterns. Some examples to get started might be: \u2018That\u2019s my perfectionism talking\u2019 or \u2018There\u2019s my brain catastrophizing.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As he explains, this technique, called labeling, is often used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Charles-Sweet.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cI know it\u2019s easier said than done, but labeling helps create distance, giving you space to decide whether the thought is helpful or not.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"turn-overthinking-into-constructive-thinking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turn overthinking into constructive thinking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Overthinking at work isn\u2019t always due to personal traits or perfectionism. More often, it&#8217;s triggered by external factors beyond your control \u2014 like workplace culture or the lack of clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As it\u2019s difficult to shut off all the work thoughts completely, try to learn to react to given circumstances in the best way possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By applying the practical expert strategies, you&#8217;ll start thinking more constructively and protect yourself from work-related stress and anxiety caused by overthinking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And remember \u2014 the worst-case scenarios are rarely the realistic ones, but rather the ones you\u2019ve spent too much time imagining.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overthinking at work can cause anxiety, reduce productivity, and lead to burnout, but it can be prevented with various techniques.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":3339,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-workplace-productivity"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Overthinking at Work and How to Stop It<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Overthinking at work can cause anxiety, reduce productivity, and lead to burnout, but it can be prevented with various techniques.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/stop-overthinking-at-work\/\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cake.com\\\/blog\\\/stop-overthinking-at-work\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cake.com\\\/blog\\\/stop-overthinking-at-work\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Isidora Radovanovi\u0107\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cake.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e611b7a3b1d5245325a9a573d0ff9056\"},\"headline\":\"Tired of Overthinking at Work? 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