Guys, I am not ashamed to admit it, I am a fan of self-help books. I think anything in life that has the potential to make you even 0.5% happier and more content with yourself is worth a try. Yes, there are instances throughout each self-help book that will have you rolling your eyes, but, there hasn’t been one I have read yet from which I haven’t taken something away.
If you are new to the self-help game and are not convinced of its worth, then I suggest starting small. A good book to buy is Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and it’s all small stuff by Richard Carlson. This is a fast read which reminds you not to worry about the little things in life. Written in relatable language, it includes snippets and stories chosen to help you calm down and de-stress.
I found some real pearls of wisdom here, especially when it comes to dealing with others. As an introvert with a massive fear of conflict, it gave me the nuggets of courage to at least begin my battle against this fear. It also reminded me of the good morals I was brought up with and encouraged me to use them more: my mother’s famous “it’s nice to be nice” is echoed by Carlson’s “choose being kind over being right”.
While it hasn’t been possible to take everything on board, there are few bits of advice that have allowed me to become less uptight and have improved my relationship with others:
- Listen more
- Don’t embarrass others by proving they are wrong in front of a group
- Don’t interrupt others
- Take up Yoga
On the whole, if you are a person who gets easily stressed and is not enjoying the impact it is having on your everyday life, this book is for you. Keep it on your nightstand and read one thing a day. Nobody has to see and it will help. Trust me.
Joyful Antidotes 
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