Patna: In Bihar, overthinking appears to be a way of life. A recent survey by the Ministry of Women Development has found that more than 60% of people in the state admit to wasting hours each day caught in loops of indecision and worry, often about trivial matters.
The month-long study, conducted between July 15 and August 15, drew responses from more than 30 lakh participants, including students, working professionals, and businesspeople. The findings suggest that four to five hours of the average day are spent simply “thinking” — but not necessarily about work, studies or problem-solving.
Instead, 50% of respondents confessed to brooding over something as minor as not getting enough likes on social media posts. Another 40% said they can spend 20 to 25 minutes just deciding what to eat in a restaurant. Choosing gifts, planning trips, or even picking an outfit are among the decisions that consume disproportionate time and energy.
The gender divide was striking. Of the 30 lakh people surveyed, 18 lakh were women, most of whom reported that their overthinking revolved around domestic routines, family expectations, or workplace criticism. Psychologists say this reflects both social pressures and the multiple roles women are expected to play.
“Stress arises from overthinking, and it inevitably affects mental health,” said Dr Samidha Tiwari, a clinical psychologist. “The tendency to dwell on problems rather than act on them needs to be controlled.” Another expert, Dr Kumud Srivastava, pointed to a strong “need to show off” as a driver of anxiety. “When people feel they fall short, they overthink about how to regain attention or appear perfect,” she added.
Among younger respondents, 10% said they thought often about improving their studies, while only 15% of working professionals admitted to spending time reflecting on their jobs. By contrast, 35% of people confessed they can spend up to three hours simply deciding what to wear, and 4% of young people said they spend hours agonising over what kind of reel to make for social media.
While the survey may seem to confirm stereotypes of indecisive diners and social media obsession, experts say the underlying issue is serious. Left unchecked, overthinking can sap productivity, fuel stress, and, as one psychologist put it, “turn everyday life into a series of exhausting choices.”
