06/05/2026
đź§ Wellbeing Words Series: Rumination
Ever found yourself replaying the same thought, conversation or worry over and over again?
That’s called rumination.
Rumination is when we become stuck in repetitive negative thinking — often focusing on problems, mistakes, worries or “what ifs.”
While reflection can help us learn, rumination usually keeps us trapped in stress, anxiety and low mood.
Common signs include:
• Overthinking past conversations
• Constantly worrying about the future
• Struggling to “switch off” mentally
• Replaying mistakes or regrets
Things that may help:
✅ Notice when it’s happening
âś… Shift attention through movement or activity
âś… Talk things through with someone you trust
âś… Practice mindfulness or grounding techniques
âś… Limit unhelpful scrolling and late-night thinking time
Your thoughts are important — but they are not always facts.
Awareness is often the first step towards better mental wellbeing đź’š