Rushing Woman's Syndrome: The Impact of a Never-Ending To-Do List and How to Stay Healthy in Today's Busy World

by Libby Weaver

Do you often feel overwhelmed, and in a daily battle to keep up? That you rarely get on top of your to-do list, and at times feel out of control and unable to cope? If so, you may be experiencing the first signs of Rushing Woman’s Syndrome…Never before have women been in such a hurry to do so many things and be there for so many people. The pace of modern life has drastically increased – but even though our minds can go faster and technology allows us to get more done, our bodies still have cavewoman-like biology – which means they cannot respond healthily to the new and constant pressures we experience.In this book, nutritional biochemist Dr Libby Weaver explains how a stressful, fast-paced lifestyle can have dangerous effects on all areas of a woman’s health, • Nervous system – how an imbalanced nervous system may be causing you to gain weight and disrupting your sleep• Adrenal glands – why adrenal fatigue may be making you feel tired but wired• Reproductive system – how your daily stresses may be affecting your menstrual cycle or fertility• Digestive system – why stress could be at the heart of your bloating, cravings or unpredictable appetite• Emotions – how your emotional landscape holds the key to leading a fulfilling life without the need to rushInspired by Dr Libby’s clinical experiences and her empathy for women and the many roles they now juggle, this book offers real solutions to restore your health, so that you can stay both productive and healthy.

Genres: Health, Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Audiobook, Psychology

272 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Angela Kovacevic · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a scientist and a woman, I deem it only appropriate to rate this book this low. I had high expectations, as the description of a Rushing Woman really resonated with me. However, the more I read, the more I eyerolled at all the pseudoscience, the lack of references for “scientific” claims (For instance the claim that before the invention of electric light women ovulated and menstruated according to the moon phase). Claiming that having PCOS might be due to our masculine energy and that having a tea from a pretty mug along with a nice scented candle could be the solution, is not only scientifically unsound, but it’s also insulting to the reader.

Skip, unless you’re a flat earther🩷

[Cori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely a roller coaster ride. This book was not what I expected. Some helpful advice, but 2/3 is what seemed unscientific info. Nothing against traditional Chinese medicine, but the author seemed to blame women for their problems and claim that all ailments were preventable with the right organic foods, no micro plastics, etc. When she said something about basking in the light of the moon to heal your ovaries, I was mentally done. I finished the book since it was so short, and I was curious to see what else she might say. I'll take away a few nuggets of advice, but I do not trust any of the "science" in this book.

[Bryn Whitlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big wake-up call! I am such a rushing woman! Ahhhh!!

The ending was so powerful—it really brought everything home for me. I also loved how the book gave such detailed scientific explanations all the way through; it made everything click.

It definitely took me a little while to get through, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. Totally worth it!

[Desiree Palsitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this. Although it was a lot of recaps of information I already knew, I found it was a good reminder to help keep myself accountable. I listened to the audiobook on my walks and would honestly listen to it again.

[Hallie Stacho · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had much higher expectations for this book. I was looking forward to reading how stress affects our biochemistry. The scientific aspects were awesome, but some of the concepts were a bit out of my belief. For example, she wrote that often women who suffer from PCOS are low in estrogen because they are subconsciously leaning too hard into their masculine due to feeling pressure from male role models in their life. Overall, great message she is trying to tell, but probably worth reading different non-fiction literature to understand this phenomenon.

[Rosie Sloan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. There are some good bits to take from the is book. I don’t mind some woo-woo bullshit in self help/women’s health resources, but damnnnn a lot of this was just a bit much. The overarching message of SLOWING THE FUCK DOWN was spot on, but she kind of lost me at relating daddy issues and the moon with PCOS. Also the name dropping at the end somehow made her lose credibility in my eyes. I don’t care that Hugh Jackman and his ex wive think you’re the bees knees. Bring back the science! I think if I had read this 10 years ago, I would’ve lapped this shit up.

[Ashleigh Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman needs to read this

[Clare Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5* rating for me

Ever feel like a book was written specifically about you? In many ways, this one did when discussing impact of 'rushing'. Around 90% of what was described felt oddly validating, particularly the discussions around chronic stress, constantly rushing from one thing to the next, and the impact that can have on both physical and mental wellbeing. It normalised a lot of experiences I've had.

Although not an entirely new concept, discussions around cortisol and the possibility that, when your body is already under significant stress, certain forms of intense exercise may be perceived as an additional stressor rather than a benefit is always an interesting one for me.

However, this is where the book became more difficult for me. Some of the viewpoints felt quite extreme (particularly PCOS being linked to Daddy issues), and a number of the scientific explanations and recommendations didn't seem particularly well supported by evidence. At times, the author appeared to present theories and assumptions with more certainty without any backing, particularly when discussing the causes of certain health conditions and the best ways to address them.

While I appreciated some of the content in the book, I found myself wanting to fact-check many of the claims before accepting them. For me, this is a book that raises interesting questions rather than provides reliable answers.

Definitely one that gives you food for thought but if your looking to come away with a concise list of things to implement in your life that could solve your issues, I think this book could leave you with more questions than answers.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The new aspects of this book, compared to so many others covering these topics are 1. the emotional components of stress, and 2. in particular the heavy burdens our livers are constantly subjected to from alcohol and caffeine.

Obviously there are so many other factors, but I believe from personal experience that these two alone are worth focusing on before getting to the level of toxic cleaners, makeup, skincare, hair care, air pollution from nearby forest fires or exhaust, and obviously processed foods and chemical containing substances, INCLUDING prescribed pharmaceuticals!

So for that simple reason I give this at least 4 stars. But I also think the self-induced stress we put ourselves through is equally as important. We are addicted to the stress hormones themselves, really, is what I’ve come to realize. (Though that’s not a direct claim of this book).

She’s also extremely thorough covering the adrenals, thyroid, reproductive system and digestive system (hence the liver) which means this book covers off almost everything the women in my life experience, with the notable exception of autoimmune diseases. This could have been expanded upon in the digestive system section, rather than only discussing IBS. THAT would have been five stars. ⭐️

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically find with self help books, that I usually don't agree with every single thing the author says, but I can still take away some helpful nuggets. I definitely felt that way about this book. I recently read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and have tried to put some of those suggestions into practice. This book is specifically for women, and I was able to take away some additional practices that I think will be good for me. Even just slowing down more while I am having a meal. Too often I am watching TV or rushing through a meal instead of relaxing and enjoying it more. I tried it out yesterday and loved it, so I want to make an effort to continue doing that. It does feel overwhelming thinking about all the ways our hormones affect our bodies, but ignoring it doesn't make it go away. I want to get a physical copy of this book and look at it more closely and take notes.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman who feels like she can’t “slow down” and as someone who struggles with autoimmune issues, adrenal fatigue, food sensitivities, emotional sensitivity etc, this book felt like it was speaking directly to me and saw me. I loved the author’s emphasis on nervous system regulation, mind body connection and approaching physical healing through this approach. I feel the author did a good job at balancing the science/data/facts with the intangible things that undoubtedly affect women’s heath, and holistic ways to help yourself get to a healthier place in yourself through addressing the nervous system.

[Caroline Croezen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book sounded so interesting but then she went rogue. If you have PCOS you have daddy issues and you need to invite the light from the moon into your ovaries 🙄🙄🙄What nonsense and so offensive to every woman with PCOS. I'll give it 3 stars because it has made me more aware of taking my time eating instead of inhaling my food and the benefit of deep breathing exercises. Otherwise disappointing.

[Cassie Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was thoughtfully gifted this book.

It is very science based so I did get a little bored here and there.

Lots of good tips and things you can implement. If there is a specific issue that you are experiencing that’s in the book it would be a gold mine which I can get see from the reviews otherwise maybe not so much.

You can tell Dr Libby has really put a lot of thought into the words she has chosen and how she articulates herself.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitley not one to read in one setting, but worth the read because of its relevant pulse on our culture of rush and how that negatively affects women's health. It also provides information about hormone health and stress in general and how to live from a state of calm and love as opposed to rush and fear. Not everything I agreed with, but I recieved worthwhile information that made it worth the lengthy read for me.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think many women (and anyone in general) can relate to the points in this book. If you are struggling to take rest and put yourself first, this book is for you. I like the mix between physiological verbiage and making the point still feel like they are in layman’s terms for those who don’t have a medical background. If I could recommend this book to everyone, I would. Some of the points are repetitive, but overall a good read.

[KimmyB Fitness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook for this and it genuinely felt as if my journal was being read aloud.
I am at a point in my life where almost everything in this book resonates with me. I had an awakening of realising that I was a rushing woman and it was having big implications on my health and my life.

I am taking steps everyday to live a calmer and more peaceful life thanks to this book.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. I already knew most of the info but it did help reiterate the need to just slow down due to the nervous system response. I liked the notes on how being sympathetic driven can negatively impact fat loss. I wouldn’t listen to on audio because she reads off the same check list multiple times, or just fast forward through those parts.

[Natalie Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book is interesting. However unless you drink a lot of coffee in a day and alcohol (neither of which I do) then none of the strategies are overly helpful. However I’m sure that others would find this helpful.

[Chelsea Peeters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually one who enjoys self-help books, but this is a must read for every woman, particularly those who are working mothers. So many things in this book resonated strongly with me. I’m looking forward to trying some of the tips and tricks she recommends in here.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was on board with a lot of the "why' and the recommendations that followed. However, my confidence in and opinion of the author tanked when she made some very incorrect statements about antibiotic use in animals in the US.

[Patty C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody should read this! Once again, I am in complete awe that I’m at the age I am and I did not know most of this stuff. Sure, I heard this is bad for you and you shouldn’t do that but never the way those actions were affecting my body. I’m excited to begin a new health journey!

[Sarah Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started really well with lots of science behind why we are rushing women. I then found that the tone changed later on and was a bit lectury, I'd like to have seen the same gentle approach to tips and advice throught out.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging- excellent insights on how love is the root of everything

[Michele Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book ten stars! Excellent.

[Tera Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but sometimes repetitive. The organization of the book was off at times, creating some redundant information.
Very interesting concept though.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some good information in here but a lot of repetitiveness. It got pretty scientific and that’s not my thing but I know some people really want that in books like this.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful for the journey that I have been on. Enjoyed the book.

[Anna Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Randall Lancelot · Rating 5 out of 5]

All women should read this!

[lynda slack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some extremely interesting thoughts in here. Excellent ideas on actions you can change. Will read it again some day