how to stop feeling like shit book review

Another sweary self-help book, but this time one aimed at women who have moments of feeling like shit.

I don’t mind a sweary self-help book. If you check out my blog, I’ve reviewed a few and appreciate a kick up the bum now and again when I get in a funk.  I’m not offended by swearing, in fact, my mum thinks I swear like a sailor, so some straight shooting tips, anecdotes and tools to add some pep in my step is just what I need to keep self-improving.

So, is How To Stop Feeling Like Shit just the same as the other books out there?

Nope. Well, a bit. There is much the same sentiment as my favourite of the sweary self-helpers Gary John Bishop, but this book is specifically aimed at common situations women find themselves in and habits we tend to form which lead to a negative inner critic, imposter syndrome, and isolating yourself, to name a few.

A couple of chapters I did skip on, such as People Pleasing (i’m pretty good at saying no), and Perfectionism Prison, but there were plenty of chapters I lapped up and some of the examples resonated with my own behaviours.  Just last week I went back to my group personal training class, the first time since before Christmas. I already had a cloud of guilt hovering over my head for leaving it so long as I trotted into the class and there, right before me, were three ladies that looked like Instagram models. Matching outfits, make-up still intact, dewy skin and guns like Madonna. I, on the other hand, was sporting a brand new muffin top, lost my fringe, thought Hawaiin print pants would be appropriate, and had sweated buckets just trying to get warmed up. I felt insecure, inferior and got a bit crabby and snappy in defence. It was bloody stupid of me. Everyone was welcoming and encouraging and I felt good about surviving the class by the end of it. Why I put myself through it I can’t answer, the shift in mood happened so quickly I didn’t even realise it was happening.

How To Stop Feeling Like Shit by Andrea Owen identifies bad habits such as my minor gym meltdown and gives you practical ways to stop talking yourself down.  Will reading this book suddenly make me funny, happy, and generally adorable every single day? Hell No! But, it has given me some tools and tips to help me recognise these negative behaviours before they ruin my day. It’s time to be kind and not critical of myself.

3.5 out of 5 from me.  A great book to get yourself out of a funk, or to buy the woman in your life who would appreciate a boost.

The Book Blurb For How To Stop Feeling Like Shit

How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t is a straight-shooting approach to self-improvement for women, one that offers no-crap truth-telling about the most common self-destructive behaviours women tend to engage in. From listening to the imposter complex and bitchy inner critic to catastrophizing and people-pleasing, Andrea Owen–a nationally sought-after life coach–crystallizes what’s behind these invisible, undermining habits. With each chapter, she kicks women’s gears out of autopilot and empowers them to create happier, more fulfilling lives. Powerfully on-the-mark, the chapters are short and digestible, nicely bypassing weighty examinations in favour of punch-points of awareness.

Buy now on Amazon  Under $10 for Kindle Version!

Thanks to Hachette Book Group USA for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

how to stop feeling like shit book review