The mind that never sleeps: Why South Africans are the world’s top overthinkers

by Zaghrah Anthony

The Mind That Never Sleeps: Why South Africans Overthink More Than Anyone Else

If you’ve ever lain awake at 2am replaying a conversation, worrying about your next rent payment, or stressing over whether to buy brown or white bread, welcome to the club. You’re part of a global phenomenon—but according to a new study, you’re also the heavyweight champion of overthinking.

MoneySuperMarket’s global survey of over 3,800 people across 20 countries has crowned South Africans as the world’s top overthinkers, with 75% admitting they overthink “often” or “very often.” That beats Poland (71%), Greece (70%), Mexico (68%), and Portugal (67%).

Even countries with the “least” mental noise are still well above 50%—Germany (54%), the UK (56%), Japan (56%), USA (56%), and Australia (57%). In other words, overthinking is a universal pastime—but Mzansi takes it to another level.

135 Minutes a Day on the Mental Hamster Wheel

The study found the average South African spends 135 minutes a day overthinking, compared to the global average of 90 minutes. That’s roughly 34 days a year lost to dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

For context, people in the UK and Germany spend around 72–73 minutes, while Mexico and Portugal trail at 114 and 102 minutes, respectively.

It’s a staggering figure, especially when you consider what we’re losing in return: sleep, focus, and peace of mind.

What Keeps Mzansi Up at Night?

While European overthinkers often fret over matters of the heart, South Africans have their eyes firmly on the wallet. A striking 81% cited money and finances as their main source of stress. With inflation, rising living costs, and job insecurity on everyone’s minds, it’s no wonder our brains just won’t switch off.

The impact is measurable: South Africans lose an average of 42.4 minutes of sleep per night due to overthinking—the highest in the study. That adds up to nearly four weeks of lost rest every year.

How South Africans Cope with Mental Noise

Despite the mental load, most South Africans are DIY-ing their stress relief instead of seeking professional help. Only 9% turn to therapy. Instead, we rely on more familiar, local coping mechanisms:

  • Breaking a sweat: 51% use exercise to clear their heads. Think morning jogs along the beachfront or late-night gym sessions in Joburg.

  • Escapism: 49% binge Netflix, listen to music, or play video games.

  • The great outdoors: 44% reconnect with nature, whether it’s a stroll in Kirstenbosch or a weekend hike in the Drakensberg.

  • Phone-a-friend: 42% vent to family or friends, a reminder of how community still matters in Mzansi culture.

Kara Gammell, life insurance expert at 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.”

She adds:

“Being aware of the mental noise is the first step. Finding healthy ways to manage it—exercise, nature, meaningful social interaction—is key.”

The Silver Lining

Being the world’s leading overthinkers isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It shows that South Africans are deeply engaged with their lives and futures, even if our brains sometimes go into overdrive.

The key, as Mzansi locals know, is finding ways to hit pause. Whether it’s a braai with friends, a walk on the beach, or simply enjoying a sunset over Table Mountain, muting the mental chatter isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival skill.

In a country that prides itself on resilience and the “local is lekker” spirit, maybe the world’s top overthinkers are also the most capable of turning stress into action and creativity—if only we could learn to switch off for a little while.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: Pexels