The Overthinking Routine

By [Mehak creator

Published [4.30.2025] • 2 min read

Author’s Note:

Overthinking is a habit I didn’t sign up for — it just moved in rent-free. What starts as a single thought quickly turns into a late-night mental marathon. This poem captures the spiral I often face, with humor and a touch of honesty. Maybe you’ll find your own mind in it, too.

The Poem: The Overthinking Routine

I lie in bed, the lights are low,

And still, my brain puts on a show.

A single thought begins to spread —

A spider’s web inside my head.

"Did I reply to that email right?"

"Did I look weird in that Zoom invite?"

"Should I have smiled more? Talked less?"

Now I’m lost in a spiral mess.

I reach for calm, I count to ten,

I blink — and I’m five years back again.

"Why did I say that in class that day?"

"Do they still think I’m weird today?"

Then I turn — left, right, back, and forth,

Trying to find what peace is worth.

I fluff my pillow, breathe in deep,

But peace? No thanks — I’m thoughts too steep.

Let’s jump ahead — to tomorrow's meeting,

Where I’m nervous, sweating, fake-smile greeting.

"What if they hate my idea again?"

"What if I blank, and it’s just pain?"

I sigh. I groan. I check the time —

It’s only 1:34. Just fine.

I grab my phone, I scroll a bit,

“Ten hacks to calm a worried spirit.”

I try one. Breathe. Imagine trees.

I end up thinking: “Do trees feel peace?”

And now I’m Googling trees that cry.

It’s 2:10. The night rolls by.

The ceiling fan becomes my friend,

Spinning round, till thoughts might end.

Eventually sleep will come my way —

Right before I face the day.

If you've been in this loop too, you're not alone. And if you enjoyed this poem, a little support helps me keep writing more midnight truths like this.