The Cost of Overthinking: How Emotions Block the Boundaries You Know You Need to Set

As nurses, we're trained to think critically, analyze situations, and problem-solve on the fly. Our brains are wired for rapid assessment and decision-making, and this serves us well when patient care is on the line. But when it comes to our own needs, especially setting boundaries, many of us get trapped in an exhausting cycle of overthinking.

We often believe we're making decisions purely based on logic. But research shows that up to 80% of our decisions are driven by emotion, not rational thought. That means when you're wrestling with whether or not to speak up, say no, or advocate for yourself, it's not just your mind at work. It's your heart and your gut too.

Your gut may be signaling: "This isn't sustainable. I need to protect my time, energy, or wellbeing."

Your heart may be whispering: "This isn't aligned with my values. I want to be present for my family, for myself."

But then fear steps in:

• "What if I upset someone?"

• "What if they think I'm not a team player?"

• "What if I lose opportunities?"

Or guilt creeps in:

• "They need me."

• "I don't want to let anyone down."

• "Everyone is busy; I should just handle it."

This is where overthinking takes over. We play out worst-case scenarios in our minds, trying to control every possible outcome. The more we think, the harder it becomes to act. And while we're busy trying to analyze our way to safety, our boundaries remain unspoken, our needs unmet, and our energy depleted.

So let me ask you:

• What boundary do you know in your gut you need to set?

• What emotion is stopping you from setting it?

• How much longer are you willing to stay stuck in the spin of overthinking?

You already have the wisdom inside you. Your brain, your heart, and your gut are meant to work together. The key is learning to listen, trust, and take aligned action even when emotions feel uncomfortable.

If you're ready to break free from the cycle of overthinking and gain clarity on where boundaries could change your life, start by taking the Nurses Boundary Impact Quiz. It will help you identify exactly where your boundaries are being tested and where your energy is leaking.

[Take the Nurses Boundary Impact Quiz]