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The World’s Biggest Overthinkers Live in South Africa

Here's why you might be one of them

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Overthinking has become one of the most common – and least spoken-about – mental wellness challenges of our time. A new global study by MoneySuperMarket has officially named South Africans the world’s biggest overthinkers. But behind the statistics lies a deeper story about stress, uncertainty, resilience and how we look after our minds. 

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The global picture – and where South Africa stands

The international survey, spanning more than 3,800 people across 20 countries, set out to understand how much time we spend replaying the past or worrying about the future – and what exactly is keeping people awake at night. 

South Africa tops the list, with 75% of respondents saying they overthink often or very often. Poland and Greece follow closely, while countries such as Germany, the UK and Japan reported comparatively lower levels. However, more than half of respondents in every country still described themselves as frequent overthinkers.  

In other words, overthinking isn’t rare anywhere; it’s simply more intense here in South Africa.  

Why are South Africans overthinking so much?

While overthinking is a universal human tendency, South Africa’s unique context adds layers: 

  • Financial pressure remains the dominant driver, with 81% of South Africans listing money and finances as their biggest worry. 
  • Ongoing concerns around safety, job security and the cost of living amplify feelings of uncertainty. 
  • A culture of resilience often means we “push through”, sometimes without seeking support — which can keep worry cycling in the mind. 

The research shows that globally people spend about 90 minutes a day overthinking – that is over 10 hours a week, or 22 days each year. However, in South Africa that climbs to around 135 minutes daily. This is almost 50% above the global average, and acquaints to weeks each year spent mentally stuck in loops. 

The hidden cost: sleep, focus and emotional wellbeing

Overthinking doesn’t just live in the mind – it shows up in the body. The study reveals that people worldwide lose almost 28 minutes of sleep every night due to racing thoughts. South Africans lose the most, averaging over 42 minutes of sleep nightly as worries spill into bedtime.  

Over time, this affects mood, concentration, immune health and overall resilience, creating a formidable cycle: tiredness fuels anxiety, and anxiety fuels overthinking. 

What are we actually worrying about?

Across the globe, money and finances dominate worries, particularly in South Africa (87%), Mexico and India. In parts of Europe, like Germany and the UK, relationship concerns rank higher. But whether financial or emotional, a common thread emerges: people are worrying about things that feel uncertain, unpredictable or out of their control. 

How the world is coping – and what actually helps

The study highlights the ways people try to quiet their minds: 

  • Movement and exercise (51%) 
  • Entertainment such as TV, gaming, music or reading (49%) 
  • Spending time in nature (44%) 
  • Talking to friends and family (42%) 

 

Only 9% of people worldwide turn to professional therapy, despite strong evidence supporting it. Many choose to self-manage — sometimes successfully, sometimes not. 

From a wellness perspective, the goal isn’t to “stop thinking” (an impossible task), but to shift from rumination to regulation. Helpful practices include: 

  • Breathwork or mindfulness to interrupt spirals 
  • Journalling to move thoughts out of the head and onto paper 
  • Setting “worry windows” — specific times to problem-solve instead of all day 
  • Limiting doomscrolling and news overload 
  • Prioritising sleep hygiene and gentle routine 
  • Seeking therapy or counselling when thoughts feel unmanageable 

Overthinking simply means caring deeply

Overthinking is frequently linked to intelligence, sensitivity and responsibility. We worry because we care: about our families, futures, finances, relationships and communities. But caring doesn’t have to cost our wellbeing. Learning to notice when thoughts become loops — and to gently interrupt them — is one of the most powerful acts of self-care South Africans can practice right now. 

As Kara Gammell from MoneySuperMarket says: “Overthinking can take a real toll – from lost sleep to reduced focus and productivity. Our research shows this is something people everywhere are dealing with. Whether it’s financial stress or social pressures, these worries are universal. As the world continues to face issues out of our control, the research reveals just how burdened we are feeling by the mental noise. Finding healthy ways to manage them is key.” 

If your thoughts feel loud lately, you’re far from alone — and there’s nothing “wrong” with you. It may simply be time to give your mind the same care we’re learning to give our bodies. 

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