
Overwhelmed
Brief Summary
“Overwhelmed” by Brigid Schulte is a captivating exploration of the modern epidemic of busyness and its impact on our lives. Drawing on extensive research and personal experiences, Schulte delves into the reasons behind our constant overwhelm. This book suggests practical strategies to navigate overwhelming work situations and complex family relationships.
Key points
Key idea 1 of 8
Being overwhelmed is common for many people, particularly those juggling career and personal life. This is especially true for parents who must simultaneously meet their children's needs and perform their job duties.
In 2008, the Families and Work Institute surveyed American workers about their daily lives. It revealed that half of the participants felt overwhelmed by the tasks they had to complete in a typical workday. Approximately two-thirds highlighted a lack of personal time for themselves or their spouse. Three-quarters reported insufficient time for their children.
This overwhelm is prevalent among women, particularly in recent decades. The considerable increase in the number of women entering the workforce since the 1970s has led to a shift in the dynamics of family life. Many women have found it necessary to pursue employment that offers a sufficient income to support themselves and their families. This shift is driven by various factors, including the rising cost of living, changing social norms, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.
In a study conducted in 2004, mothers with children under the age of six were asked whether they had sufficient free time. None of the women participating in the study reported having enough time for themselves. However, the scarcity of leisure time is not exclusive to mothers alone. The study also revealed that only 5 percent of fathers surveyed acknowledged having time for hobbies or fun activities.
It comes as no surprise that the scarcity of free time has resulted in elevated stress and anxiety levels in the United States. In 2011, a study by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed the prevalence of chronic stress in American society. Furthermore, a 2007 study by the World Health Organization showed that Americans, on average, are the most anxious compared to people from other countries.
Our everyday life is usually full of various stressors, and the effects of stress on your body should not be underestimated.
You may also like these summaries


Find full Audio & text of your favorite books in the AdvanceMe app!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur.
Start your free trial