How to Stop Overthinking That Text Message (From a Chronic Overthinker 🙋‍♀️)
Me and my best mate have this ongoing routine every time we see each other. It basically turns into a list of text-message apologies:
“Sorry if that sounded weird.”
“Sorry I just wrote you an entire novel!”
“Sorry if I came across too blunt.”
“Sorry I didn’t give you all the info in one go.”
We’re out here apologising for our texts like it’s a full-time job, when the truth is, the other person never even noticed.
But honestly… it’s time to stop.
Now, I know this makes me sound totally unqualified to be handing out advice (because I’m the queen of overthinking myself). But maybe that’s exactly why I can share this - because it’s real, messy, everyday life.
So if you also find yourself stressing over every dot and emoji, let me introduce you to my new favourite sanity-saver:
✨ The 10 Second Rule ✨
Write your message exactly how you want.
Set a timer for 10 seconds.
Re-read it.
Passes the pub test? → Send.
Feels a bit off? → Quick edit, reset the timer. Go again.
Move on with your life.
And the golden reminder after hitting send: remind yourself that you are more than your text messages. Always.
Here’s the best part: this little rule is peak mindfulness. Like meditation, it’s all about pausing, breathing, and noticing what’s really there. And just like meditation, practice makes perfect: the more you do it, the more second nature it becomes.
Because I love a good visual, I made a little diagram for you. Print it out, pin it up, or stick it somewhere handy to remind yourself: you don’t need to overthink it.
Now tell me - do you have your own trick for talking yourself down when the overthinking monster strikes? I’d love to hear it.
