Rumination and the Art of Letting Go

Alicia Divico, LMHC

Published on: 29/01/2026

Rumination is repetitive, exhausting thinking that masquerades as problem-solving but actually keeps the nervous system stuck in a threat response. This piece explains why rumination happens, what people tend to ruminate about, and why willpower alone can’t stop it. Instead of fighting thoughts, it offers compassionate, body-based strategies to interrupt mental loops and restore a sense of safety.