So I Snapped - That Was Not So Fun

We’ve all had those days when our minds won’t switch off. One minute we’re trying to relax, the next we’re obsessing over something we said three days ago. It can feel like being stuck in a spinning washing machine of thoughts.

This podcast episode explores what it’s like to battle overthinking and anxiety when distraction just isn’t cutting it. We dive into why seemingly calming methods can backfire, what triggered that restless state, and how a real breakthrough can come from a different angle. If you’ve been feeling overspun lately, this story might speak to you.

When Your Mind Feels Like a Wild Animal

Have you ever tried everything to calm your mind, only to find those thoughts grow louder? That’s the focus of this episode. It’s like having a wild animal loose in the house, and the usual tricks don’t help. You tell yourself to be calm, then you feel more worked up.

We often forget that anxiety isn’t just about nerves. It’s also an internal alarm that keeps going long after we’ve turned off the triggers. We struggle to pinpoint exactly why we can’t settle down, and that frustration ends up adding more noise to the mix.

Why Meditation and Distraction Sometimes Fall Short

Meditation is usually a go-to solution for stress, but sometimes it adds fuel to the fire. The mind might rebel against the quiet, turning the breathing exercise into a breeding ground for more anxious thoughts. Watching TV can help for a little while, but when you switch it off, the same unsettled feeling returns.

“I tried meditating and all it did was fuel the beast. I tried watching TV but it only stabilised the beast for a short time.”

The episode highlights how anxiety can be sneaky. We sit down, hoping to tune out, yet our brains keep up the chatter. Or we switch our attention to a show, but as soon as credits roll, the mind leaps right back into worry mode. It’s a loop that can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Finding a New Way Forward

It took a shift in perspective to see beyond the chaos. Instead of battling the beasts in the head, the host opted to recognise them, name them, and then let them exist. Sounds odd, right? The trick is to stop meeting tension with more tension. Sometimes acknowledging that anxiety exists is all it needs to start loosening its grip.

A big part of this learning curve is trusting that you’re not broken. Your mind runs fast from time to time, especially if you’re neurodiverse. Trying to forcibly calm it might have the opposite effect. Instead, it helps to step back, check if there’s a simple solution, or gently redirect your thoughts in another direction.

Key Observations

By walking through this experience of wrestling with and then easing off the mental strain, we gain insights into the upsides of acceptance. It’s not about giving up but about acknowledging that your mind may function differently. Rather than seeing this as a flaw, it can become a unique strength if approached with curiosity.

Here are some simple yet powerful ideas the episode touches on:

• Accepting discomfort rather than resisting it can be surprisingly calming.
• Changing scenery or doing a low-pressure activity may give the brain a breather.
• Small physical gestures, like a quick walk or stretching, might interrupt anxious thought loops.
• Acknowledging your mental quirks can help you navigate them instead of fighting them.

Sometimes, the way out of an overthinking spiral is through it—by deciding to watch it unfold without adding further judgement. This episode reveals how that small shift can lead to big changes in how you handle anxious tension.

Takeaways Worth Remembering

• Overthinking can happen to anyone, so there’s no need to feel isolated.
• Meditation isn’t always soothing if your mind is already on high alert.
• Distractions offer short-term relief, but deeper acceptance can bring longer calm.
• Your inefficiencies today might be your superpowers tomorrow.
• You are not broken; you’re just wired differently.

If you’re curious about the full story, the podcast player will be at the top of this page. Give it a listen for more personal insights, raw experiences, and tips on recognising when your mind needs acceptance instead of more pressure.