Women Who Think Too Much

How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life

By: Susan Nolen-Hoeksema

Narrated by: Sheryl Bernstein

Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

From one of the nation's preeminent experts in the study of women and emotion, here is a breakthrough new book based on the author's award-winning research.

It's not a surprise that our fast-paced, overly analytical culture is pushing people - especially women - to spend countless hours thinking about negative ideas, feelings, and experiences. Renowned psychologist Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema calls this overthinking. Her groundbreaking research shows that an increasing number of women - more than half of those in her extensive study - are doing it too much and too often, hindering their ability to lead a satisfying life.

Overthinking can be anything from fretting about big questions such as "What am I doing with my life?" to losing sleep over a friend's innocent comment. It is causing women to feel sad, anxious, or seriously depressed, and she challenges the assumption that constantly expressing and analyzing our emotions is a good thing. In Women Who Think Too Much, Nolen-Hoeksema provides concrete strategies that can be used to escape these negative thoughts, move to higher ground, and avoid future traps.

©2003 Susan Nolen-Hoeksema (P)2003 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A must read for any woman who has ever felt stuck in her life, and any man who has been confused by why the women they love get so 'caught up thinking' they can't enjoy life. Nolen-Hoeksema offers practical methods to self-diagnose and pathways toward greater emotional freedom." (William S. Pollack, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University)

Some good advice, but not always well delivered.

The author uses many examples of how women would snap themselves out of overthinking. She would use words that were yelled by the woman, like "Shut up" and "Stop it". To me this exemplifies a very harsh expression of the message that the over thinker deserves to be yelled at in a negative manner. The advice would have been much better received had she utilized examples that demonstrated kindness towards yourself, non-judgemental tones and expressions.
The book tackles tough subject for women. Some of us do overthink and get caught up in the negative self messages often found in those storms of thought. Still, there was something missing in it for me personally. The main turn off being the negative statements and tone she uses in the book to demonstrate how to get out of a state of rumination and negative self talk.

No new revelation-underwhelming

I was quite surprised when this book ended bc I was searching for a conclusion. The book is nice and had some interesting perspectives but I can honestly say there wasn’t anything new to learn. Disappointed at that. The readers performance was excellent.

Great read!

I seen myself in many of the stories and feel that knowing can help me put the solutions to actions!

Great Read!

This was a book I really needed to read. I found it very helpful in explaining how devastating overthinking can be to your life. Susan did an amazing job of using stories to show the consequences of overthinking. My only problem is I found less solutions than examples of the issue that were*usable* to me. Either way I would say it’s a must read for someone is who ALWAYS inside of their head.

Empowering

Overthinking is a trait that is learned. This book offers logical concepts to consider in changing a behavior that can be more detrimental than beneficial. Women who are living in the turmoil that accompanies overthinking can definitely be helped in some aspect of their lives by reading/listening to this book.

Loved 1st chapter but not the long stories after..

Loved the first chapter. After that, long-drawn stories of hardship... I am a little disappointed.

hit me right between the eyes

I did not know that anyone knew what when on in my head. This book helped me so much to identify my over thinking and how bad it was for me and those I love. I liked the book so much I bought the written copy, so that I can go through and make notes of the steps I need to take to help correct this aspect of my mind. it was nice to have the audio form though, because it forced me to just listen and not get caught up over thinking about how much I over think! I have listened through it twice now. I am so thankful for the steps and the stories to help me and incourage a change in me. I have already shared this book 4 times to other women that would like reading it.

worth every minute

Listening to this reading allowed me to reflect. The writer made it relatable, and the suggestion made to minimize your over thinking is practical.

li

loved it it was a really good book enjoyed myself tremendously will read it again over and over cannot wait to see what other books

a great book

for those who think they're alone in overthinking this is a great book. loved 👌🏼