My train of thought has gone down the same path hundreds of times when bored. There is no new realisation about that topic that remains to be had. And yet every time my inner monologue goes down the same well trodden path. It almost hurts at this point. I don’t really choose the topic, it’s usually just one I’ve come into contact with repeatedly and they change over the years. I commute by bus and the monologue is always at the same point at the same point in the journey. I am going crazy. How do I turn this off.
I used to do something similar. I would always travel with a book and read whenever my brain would idle or ruminate.
These days I make sure to download up about 4-5 interesting podcasts. Listening to really interesting topics and discussions keeps my mind fresh and engaged.