Mind & Mood
Break the cycle
The circular thinking that characterizes rumination can harm your health. Take these steps to stop it.
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
If you've ever gone through your day with a song running through your head, you know those "earworms" can be either amusing or annoying. But when a single intrusive thought is circling round and round, that's called rumination — and it's seldom pleasant.
An endless repetition of a negative thought or theme that spirals downward, tanking your mood, rumination often involves replaying a past scenario or conversation in your head or trying to solve a maddening problem. "I think it's quite common, and some people do it all the time — like picking a scab," says Dr. Jacqueline Olds, a psychiatrist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.