The Anxiety Handbook: The 7-Step Plan to Understand, Manage, and Overcome Anxiety

The 7-Step Plan to Understand, Manage, and Overcome Anxiety As promised by the author’s chosen title of this book, readers are offered seven steps broken into three sections discussing anxiety management techniques. The author begins the book by first defining anxiety, identifying symptoms, and giving the steps of managing anxiety generally. Some may know that anxiety is derived from multiple external and internal factors, and it is difficult to predict an episode. Therefore, the author identifies four categories that anxiety symptoms can fall under, and delves into the way each symptom may affect the individual relatively. It is pointed out that, anxiety is both positive and negative, depending on the form it takes on each person. Section two is the real meat of the book, which can be described as a true manual for anxiety management because of the depth of the information offered. This section lists steps three to five and digs deeper into techniques for alleviating anxiety. The best tool given in this section is using gratitude as a way of shifting bad thoughts to good, happy, positive thoughts by simply being thankful for the simple things in one’s lives that is often ignored. Writing, meditating, and many more tools were also offered as management for anxiety. The last section outlines the last two steps with directions in overcoming anxiety. Diet-altering techniques, products to avoid and products to indulge in were offered in the closing steps six and seven. The depth of the information given is both a positive and negative for this book depending on the reader. However, if one is serious about taking control of his or her stress and alleviating anxiety, this is the book to read.

Unlike most books on the subject, The Anxiety Handbook opens with the acknowledgement that each person has their own individual manifestations of anxiety, and due to this uniqueness, readers should utilize the information as they feel best addresses their particular situation. The notion of non-judgements and lack of generalizations makes you feel comfortable to continue reading on such a sensitive subject.The book takes you through the necessary steps of first understanding anxiety and the roots and causes of the condition, then moving towards identifying specific origins in order to arrive at appropriate approaches for treatment. The four major categories of anxiety are discussed in detail and the significant differences are outlined, which gives extra insight into the varieties and their triggers.I particularly appreciated the section describing the "normal" vs. pathological manifestations of anxiety, and what constitutes as a legitimate cause compared to an abnormal and debilitating reaction. Proceeding the diagnosis section are suggestions on instant calming techniques that are easily implemented and cover the gamut of potential anxiety aides from breathing exercises to the elimination of caffeine and other stimulants.I highly recommend The Anxiety Handbook for those looking to expand their comprehension on the potential roots of their own anxious tendencies and the many small but significant practices to combat those feelings.

I have felt anxiety in the past whether from working with on a new team, arriving in a new country or going out on a social event with new people. This book is the perfect management tool for anxiety. The book speaks directly to the reader about anxiety in a very simple manner but there are also technical sections such as the one on the roots and causes of anxiety and related conditions. Although the vocabulary presented in these paragraphs are somewhat technical, this is proof that the writers did their research. The section on Managing Anxiety has some great tips which are very practical. One wouldn't think that food impacted anxiety but this book thoroughly discusses a wide range of foods that can negatively impact management of anxiety. There is even a section on dealing with difficult people which was very helpful as I have crossed paths with anxiety inducing people on many occasions in my work life. I like the mixture of simplicity in terms of flow and the technical more mental health jargon that was discussed. It was an easy read but I felt intelligent after and not like I just read a book with vague advice. Overall a great book on managing anxiety.

As someone who personally struggles with some level of anxiety on a daily basis, I was looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint. The book talks about the different types of anxiety and breaks it down in an easy to understand format. I liked that the book explained the symptoms of anxiety and how they affect a person physiologically, that way one could have a clear understanding of anxiety is actually affecting them. The book takes the idea of anxiety and moves it from the abstract to the definitive. After the breakdown of the types of anxiety and how individuals can be affected, the author does an excellent job of explaining the best ways for an individual to manage their anxiety. He provides realistic suggestions of triggers to avoid, lessening the amount of anxiety as well as suggestions of things that individuals can eat that will help to alleviate the anxiety that a person can feel. This is an excellent book for anyone to read who is struggling with anxiety issues. Anyone after reading this book will feel like they have been equipped with the tools needed to better adapt to ever changing situations that life throws at them.

Easy to understand and implement 😊

Quite good

Recently I had the pleasure to purchase and read The Anxiety Handbook: The 7-Step Plan to Understand, Manage, and Overcome Anxiety,by Calistoga Press.This book is well written, with a broad and highly overview of understanding, managing and overcoming the predominant anxiety relatedissues. The author successfully combines a practical yet comprehensive seven step plan to assist people who are afflicted with thevarious forms of anxiety, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder (PD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) andSocial Anxiety Disorder (SAD).For any individual that faces anxiety challenges, this book will surely prove to be a valuable guide to assist them to triumph overanxiety and get better control over their daily lives.Written by: Dave Yablecki