Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World

Rate this book
Calm your thoughts, navigate your stress, and understand your anxiety with this compact illustrated guide for overthinkers everywhere.


Are you an overthinker? You're not alone! In a world full of deadlines, and technology, and constant stress, anxiety sometimes feels inevitable. But what if you learned to ride the wave of anxiety, instead of getting lost in it? Get Out of My Head is here to help, providing guidance and inspiration for anxious overthinkers of all sorts. This compact, illustrated book offers soothing techniques for understanding anxiety and moving through the traps of overthinking. Aimed at a modern audience looking for support and community, this beautifully illustrated guide offers a joyful, manageable way to deal with anxiety and quiet stressful thoughts through easy exercises, bite-sized takeaways, and calming visuals.


Written by Meredith Arthur, founder of the popular mental health platform Beautiful Voyager, and illustrated by Leah Rosenberg, this charming alternative to technical mental health guides walks readers through the process of building awareness around anxiety, identifying triggers, moving through blocks, building healthy boundaries, and developing an arsenal of tools for thriving. With actionable tips throughout, and a special section on dealing with end-of-year anxieties, this striking volume also includes a small, saddle-stitched secondary book -- meant to act like a weighted blanket in book form for help on the go -- in a concealed internal pocket.

112 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2020

205 people are currently reading
3245 people want to read

About the author

Meredith Arthur

3 books17 followers
Meredith Skrzypek Arthur, a San Francisco-based writer and video producer, has experienced stress in all of its incarnations and lived to tell this tale. An early pioneer of “getting people to talk about mental health in a normal way,” Meredith created the website Beautiful Voyager in 2015 for overthinkers, perfectionists, and people pleasers. She wrote GET OUT OF MY HEAD: INSPIRATION FOR OVERTHINKERS IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD to share the wisdom of the community and help others tune into the wave. She also edits Invisible Illness, the largest mental health publication on Medium.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
175 (23%)
4 stars
235 (32%)
3 stars
240 (32%)
2 stars
59 (8%)
1 star
25 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Roben .
2,969 reviews18 followers
January 10, 2021
I'm an overthinker and a people pleaser. It was so comforting to read this book and realize that I am definitely not alone. There is really a lot of helpful information in Get Out of My Head. It acknowledges that since we are all so different, what works for one person may not work for another. But I think there will be at least one thing in this book that you can try that will be helpful. One chapter I liked was figuring out a phrase or word that may send you into an anxiety spiral. Something like "What If..." or "If Only...". When you find yourself thinking along those lines, you stop. Or do your best to stop.
The chapters are short and the book is a quick read but with lots of information that you will want to revisit. Thank you for writing this book! It was extremely helpful and encouraging.
Profile Image for Emily.
1 review12 followers
July 1, 2020
This is a beautiful book from both a visual and written perspective. It's nice and necessary in the time of COVID to take a step back from anxious tendencies. I had a tough pregnancy with twins and now I have twins with eating issues, so I've dealt with a lot of anxiety in the past year. I really appreciated the perspectives on anxiety that this book presents and ways to reflect. I've been trying to repeat some of the things I learned in my head when I find myself becoming anxious. It helps me take a step back. I've been feeling less anxious the last couple of weeks in particular, so I think it's working.
Profile Image for M. Wolkenstein.
Author 1 book91 followers
July 15, 2020
I'm a guy who spends a lot of time in my head. The up-side of that is my creativity, my ability to get things done, and other brain-stuff I'm super glad for. The down side is I get overwhelmed with thinking - possibilities (scary possibilities, endless scary possibilities) swarm and it can get a bit intense. Sometimes, it can cast a shadow on an otherwise perfectly peaceful morning.

So: I have my routines to keep that in check. Breathing, visualizations, journaling, etc. One new addition to that routine is a chapter or two per day of this awesome little book - strategies and meditations to help manage the thinking - some are familiar and some are brand new (I love the one on colors).

It's packaged beautifully - the art, the design, the whole feel. This book could be great as a gift but honestly, the best person to gift it to is yourself. Then, each morning, pour a cup of your whatever and let this book accompany you out of your head, into your body, into a more grounded day.
Profile Image for Chris Boutté.
Author 8 books273 followers
December 27, 2020
If you're looking for a short book to keep by your side to deal with your anxiety and overthinking, this book's for you. I listened to the audiobook, and it's only about an hour and a half. Arthur designed the book to have little pieces of advice for managing anxiety in different situations, and she provides a wide range of anecdotes from her group about how these strategies work. Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Alms.
13 reviews
October 8, 2022
Such a comforting book for someone like me who is an over-thinker and a former people pleaser 🥹
Profile Image for Juan Pablo.
5 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2025
Keep it on your dresser and revisit the concepts regularly.
Profile Image for Dax.
1,955 reviews45 followers
October 24, 2021
Super quick read / listen. This is intended to be a book you continually look back to; according to the author. There's nothing revolutionary or new in this very short book but it is certainly a manageable read that will get folx started and may indeed prove to be just the thing for some to keep turning back to in trying times.
Profile Image for Nina Massey.
15 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2020
This is an amazing book! Meredith walks the reader through new methods to identify and tackle crippling anxiety, which affects so many of us. Beautiful colorful illustrations enhance the reader’s experience. What I like most about this book is that it offers sound advice without being clinical. It makes it crystal clear that having anxiety is ok and can be handled effectively. Meredith reminds us we are not alone on our mental health journey and works to dispel the stigma surrounded by it. Highly recommended!!
Profile Image for jiel.
25 reviews
October 28, 2021
Sebagai overthinkers dan people-pleaser aku merasa terpanggil pas baca buku ini. Grateful to have found this book 😭 bahasanya runtun dan mudah dimengerti. Dikasih step-by-step dan rinciannya juga. Berasa tenang dan damai aja pas baca. Kayaknya aku bakal re-read lagi nanti deh.
Profile Image for Sarah.
18 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2020
I had the honour of reading an advanced copy of this book, which is being released May 2020. This is a digestible and a fun read, but with real, practical, helpful tips and advice. Much more accessible than a lot of the 'cure your anxiety' books out there that get very medical and technical and overwhelming. I related SO much to the quotes and stories.

Thank you Meredith for writing this important book!
Profile Image for Heather.
58 reviews
October 16, 2022
Quick, very straightforward book. Gives some good tips to managing anxiety/overthinking that I will try to use in my life.
Profile Image for Rylie Yawson.
13 reviews
October 15, 2023
This is great for anyone trying to understand why they overthink or have anxiety. It is to the point and banks on the reader being proactive. It is not super deep but offers action items consistently through the pages. Although I would mostly recommend this to someone who might be younger (high school age) it could still act as a reminder to older individuals who have been dealing with anxiety for a while!
Profile Image for Jennie MC.
54 reviews
June 16, 2021
I can't wait to give Arthur's suggestions a try! And I will definitely reread this in December as suggested.
Profile Image for Zhermen.
88 reviews13 followers
November 4, 2023
Really nice, short, funny and comforting book about overthinking behavior, people pleasing and anxiety.
1 review
April 6, 2020
I'm so excited for this book! I can't wait to get it. I've been to the author's website about over-thinking, bevoya.com, and it's really interesting and helpful.

Side note -- it's weird how someone gave this book 3 stars when it's not even out yet. Especially when THIS BOOK LOOKS SUPER AWESOME!
Profile Image for Andrea.
4 reviews1 follower
Read
February 8, 2022
If you're an overthinker, this book will give you actual tips to put in practice. You will also feel understood and learn that you're not alone.
Profile Image for Pooja  Banga.
838 reviews96 followers
July 16, 2024
What a book it is!!!! Even if you aren't an overthinker or have serious anxiety issues you still can read it and can actually get some good insights on how to come out of difficult situations.
Profile Image for hazydaisyyy.
35 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2024
3.5 - I really enjoyed how small & digestible this book is. The info is nothing new or groundbreaking, but it’s all placed in a bite sized, aesthetically pleasing, coffee table book with actionable steps to help you get out of your own head.
50 reviews
September 14, 2020
Solid resource for managing an overthinking mind

Good resource that takes a non-prescriptive approach. The writing is pithy and relatable. The author explains the basics, allowing the reader to explore and research specific topics and ideas more deeply on their own.
Profile Image for Priscilla Pixler.
40 reviews
May 19, 2020
I was so delighted by this clever, insightful, helpful and artistic book. It really is not just for “Overthinkers.” The pages offer many life thoughts for all.
Profile Image for Hannah Suzzaine Legaspi.
11 reviews
January 16, 2025
Light and relatable. Get Out of My Head became my “on-the-way-to-school” book that keeps me in check right before my classes that makes me feel that anxiety for my first and second days to fourth year second semester. Quick and easy read for overthinkers and for finding your people who loves to share their life, struggles, and possible solutions or ways that could minimize that cloud inside your head.

Gave this a 4/5 just because I find it quite enjoyable to read in the car but by the end of the book, it feels like the book was a promotion to Beautiful Voyager. Plus points to its beautiful artwork though!
Profile Image for Patrick Hurley.
65 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2020
This book is a nice, concise manual for managing your overthinking brain and (likely) anxiety. It’s super short, designed to highlight the key takeaways, and builds nicely on itself to give you the tools you need to take swipes at managing your overthinking. Physically, it’s tiny, lightweight, and easily suits its stated purpose of being a companion in your bag that you can dig out whenever you feel yourself spiraling out of control, as so many over thinkers do on a regular basis. I definitely recommend adding this to your arsenal of tools to manage your anxiety!
Profile Image for John.
16 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2022
Your mileage may vary. I think it’s good at reminding people of their options, but should not replace professional help. Readers should not be afraid to ask for help.

For some people, adding this to their support structure could be very useful. I know sometimes I’m not in the proper mind frame to appreciate the usefulness of a tool. In the case of a book like this, I will jot down some thoughts and schedule a reread. Sometimes I won’t get the value until I’m in the right place to receive it.

I did enjoy the book and it led me to look into the author online.
Profile Image for Alice Wheeler.
15 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2021
If you read this cover to cover, it's short, consumable, and positive. Most of the content and concepts will be familiar, but they are presented in such a totally palatable and actionable way that it is refreshing and comforting at the same time. The artwork is a treat unto itself. But really, it's designed and would be best used to keep by your bedside or desk, work your way through one concept at a time, and refer back to. I checked this out of the library, but will now order my own copy. I can imagine using it for myself and in my conversations with other head types in my world.
Profile Image for Malvin.
86 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2020
This is a light reading book, filled with ways and tricks to keep yourself from drowning from your own thoughts and anxiety. It is best to keep the book in your bag and pull it out when you start to feel stressful to read a page or two.

The book is more like a list of collective experiences. The lack of a systemic structure makes it hard to memorize.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,801 reviews
October 10, 2022
I liked the collection of basic techniques and suggestions. It is not too long or in depth which is definitely adventagous if you are anxiously overthinking.
many techniques I am familiar with - I liked the one about naming every color/shade you can see
what i liked best about this book was the art work.
Profile Image for Melissa Ribeiro.
91 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2023
This was a quick self help book read. I recommend it to people who struggle with overthinking or overcoming anxiety. Personally, this book broke down a lot of common scenarios for over thinkers followed with step to properly navigate through these situations. Overall, it was helpful I took away a lot of tips and tricks!
Profile Image for Lisette Ramos.
101 reviews
December 11, 2021
Required reading for us overthinkers. It left me with exercises to do that I am following for my overthinking. I think I am overstimulated in this world. I think therefore I am but I think a lot about a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.