Women who think too much How to break free of overthinking and reclaim your life

Practically everyone agonizes over decisions or situations from time to time, but overthinkers carry analysis and introspection to unhealthy extremes, "getting caught in torrents of negative thoughts and emotions,"according to this book. Even minor events can trigger a chain of second-guessing in which negative emotions are "amplified instead of managed." Kneading damaging thoughts like dough, overthinkers fall victim to a "yeast effect" that causes negativity to grow and take control of their lives, distort their perspectives and damage relationships, careers and emotional (and perhaps physical) health. Nolen-Hoeksema, a University of Michigan psychology professor and author of five professional books, explores why people overthink, contends and explains why too much thinking is predominantly a woman's disease and prescribes a three-step program to overcome overthinking. Citing many studies (including her own) and occasionally zooming in on particular cases, she offers no-nonsense, reasoned and easy-to-understand advice and strategies, as well as a quiz to help readers recognize their own patterns of overthought. (Feb. 5) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Nolen-Hoeksema (psychology, Univ. of Michigan) labels excessive brooding or ruminating "overthinking" and posits that women are more apt to engage in it than men because of social and psychological factors. It's a cycle that snowballs and repeats without interruption and, while natural to some extent, can lead to mental paralysis, demoralization, and depression. With an eye to recognition and avoidance, Nolen-Hoeksema compiles strategies (e.g., distraction) and common overthinking scenarios (e.g., career, health) for pulling out of this trap. The author of many scholarly books, she is occasionally elevated in tone; readers might wish that fewer studies were referenced and that the real-life examples were zippier. Those flaws, however, are minor-ultimately, this laudable and thorough work will ease the discomfort of many. Recommended as an intellectual complement to spiritual works like Elyse Fitzpatrick's Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming a Woman of Faith and Confidence. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/02.] (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Women Who Think Too Much :Over the last four decades, women have experienced unprecedented growth in independence and opportunity. We are freer to choose what kinds of relationships to have, whether and when to have children, what careers to pursue, and what lifestyles to lead. But too often, many of us are flooded with worries, thoughts, and emotions that swirl out of control. We are suffering from an epidemic of overthinking-getting caught in torrents of negative thoughts and emotions that overwhelm us and interfere with our functioning and well-being. Our concerns are about fundamental issues: Who am I? What am I doing with my life? Answers do not come easily to such questions and so we search and ponder and worry even more. Types of Overthinking: o Rant-and-Rave This is the most familiar type of overthinking which usually centers on some wrong we believe has been done to us. Women prone to this kind of overthinking tend to take on an air of wounded self-righteousness and focus on designing retribution that will severely sting our victimizers. o Life-of-Their-Own This type of overthinking begins innocently as we notice we're feeling upset or when we ponder a recent event. Then we begin to entertain possible causes for our feelings about the events. Overthinking causes us to exaggerate problems and make bad decisions. o Chaotic This type of overthinking occurs when we don't move in a straight line from one problem to another. Instead, it is as if all kinds of concerns, many of them unrelated, flood our minds at the same time. Excerpted from Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.