Overthinking, also known as rumination, occurs when you repeatedly focus on the same thoughts or scenarios to the point that it interferes with your daily life. It can manifest as dwelling on past events or worrying about the future. This can lead to feeling “stuck” and having difficulty in focusing on other tasks, and may even make situations worse by preventing you from taking action as you are unable to shift out of the over-analyzing mode.
If you struggle with overthinking, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, as many people experience it. If you are looking to understand and overcome overthinking, consider reading books on the subject. Here are some recommended books on overthinking to help you break the cycle and gain insight.
1. The Worry Trick: How Your Brain Tricks You into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do About It
Psychologist and anxiety expert David Carbonell explains the brain’s response to anxiety in his book, “The Worry Trick.” Rather than suggesting to avoid or resist anxiety, the author teaches readers how to recognize the underlying mechanisms of their anxious thoughts. The book, which is based on acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, aims to assist those struggling with overthinking and anxiety by helping them break the cycle of worry and allowing them to view their feelings and thoughts with detachment and clarity.
2. Unf#ck Your Brain: Getting Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers with science
This book, written by Dr. Faith, can aid individuals who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, traumas, anger, grief, or addiction, as well as those looking to develop a more balanced and calm response to daily situations. It provides an understanding of the science behind the brain’s responses and guides the reader through the process of re-training their brain to react appropriately to non-emergency situations.
3. Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle
In his book “The Power of Now”, Eckhart Tolle describes the “state of presence” as a state in which the distractions of past and future thinking disappear, allowing one to conquer fears and frustrations by being fully in the present moment. He emphasizes the importance of training the mind to focus on the present and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, it is the power of Now.
4. Reclaim Your Brain: How to Calm Your Thoughts, Heal Your Mind, and Bring Your Life Back Under Control
In the book “Reclaim Your Brain”, the author delves into how imbalances and unique characteristics in the human brain can lead to significant problems like anxiety, sadness, or addiction. The book provides insight into the biological causes of these issues and offers practical tips for restoring brain balance.
5. Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life
Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, a psychologist, finds that more than half of the women in her studies experience excessive overthinking, which can lead to negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety and depression. The author examines the various reasons that lead to this tendency and offers practical advice on how to overcome negative thoughts and channel them towards more constructive pursuits.
