How to Be Happy (Or at Least Less Sad): A Creative Workbook

When I bought this book, I was in such a down mental state that I was pinning quite a bit of hope on its subtitle being possible. Now that I am looking back with clearer eyes, I see why this book is helpful. It gives you permission to identify your negative thoughts but steers you away from ruminating. It's a low risk high reward method of examining your thoughts and feelings. Doing basically any exercise on a page, regardless of its focus, tends to make me feel better in the moment. They are extremely practical exercises. Some of the exercises are just generally relaxing (like filling 50 squares with as many squares of gray as you can), others are more directive (like writing your most frequent intrusive thoughts, then identifying how they are distorted thinking). A lot of the advice and exercises seem to be simplified versions of methods used in mindfulness therapy and CBT. The way that it is introduced is non-threatening and fun. Personally, I don't actually write in this book but copy my prompts into a different notebook. That way I can reuse this book or lend it out to a friend who might need it. Another book which I would recommend buying in conjunction with this one is "Start Where You Are", which is apparently quite popular on Amazon. I feel that the content of these books goes hand in hand. Many of the exercises are similar in themes. However, that book is filled with cheery colors and lots of inspirational quotations; this book is inked in black and white, and might be better for someone who is depressed while stepping into self-examination with a journal for the first time. I recommend going slow and keeping an open mind if you choose to order it. I feel grateful for this book right now.

This person understands crap. Props to Lee Crutchley. Let's put it this way. I don't read. I can't read as well as I used to. Reasons. I liked the way the book looked. I read the cover and was awestruck with the relatableness in the title. I wasn't going to "read" it, but decided to open the cover. First, I saw that it was exercises, not reading. Second, the entire thing is written in a communicative style that is refreshingly non-intrusive and open. Much needed casual, humble, private, do-it-if-you-want vibe. I endorse this. Note to publisher, editor, or author: This book came out at one point in a golden yellow color. I, and everyone I know who has found this book or been introduced to it, think the yellow better represents and induces a tone of comfort and happiness (or less-sadness-ness) than the harsh orange or green it has been otherwise produced in. Spoken from a user's and experienced perspective. I'm sure there are people who may say otherwise, but that is the popular opinion in my circles. For what it's worth. I want your book to have its greatest possible success. Thanks!

The quality is so-so. Not great, not terrible. Right in the middle. Probably better options available. Take it as you will.

I got this when I was recovering from a mental breakdown. I figured it surely couldn't hurt. Despite not being a mental health professional, the author has incorporated elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). While not a replacement for professional treatment, it's a solid tool to help you maintain a positive mindset or to begin climbing out of the vast pit of depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc. I actually emailed a link to the book to an art therapist I know, and she was intrigued enough to purchase it herself. After she reviewed it she said she planned to incorporate some of the exercises into her classes. Well worth the price and it's fun to work in, too!

Okay, to be fair I haven't actually filled out the book yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I have a distinct loathing for "Self-Help" books and people who think that have the secret to the universe if you do exactly what they say. This book isn't like that. It makes you think and reflect and draw upon the answers that are already inside of you and maybe once you see your thoughts and feelings on paper, you can analyze how you can work towards changing your thinking. I personally have multiple mental health and personality disorders and have been through untold amount of therapist. Some were horrible ("Just smile and say happy affirmations every day!") and some were moderately helpful. But I struggle to get help from other people because it just doesn't "sink in". I think one of the keys is knowing yourself and looking into the whys of yourself and I feel like this book will help with that. The writing style is friendly, forgiving, supportive, and even humorous. I enjoy reading it and at times it really makes me think. I'm going to be buying a copy for a girl friend of mine so maybe we can work through our inner demons together, lol Just try it! It's fun, and who knows, it might actually help.

So this journal is good. I may have purchased it without doing enough research on it though. In my opinion, it would be great for people who have chronic depression, or are going through a hard time in their life. I believe that young adults could get the most benefit. The only problem that I had was that I am not depressed. I was trying to find something that would help more with anxiety, and this does not. I still filled out a few pages just to try it out, but I suppose I an just going to keep it around until I have a sad day maybe.. I'm not really sure about it for myself, but yes, I believe that this has the potential to help people who are sad cope, and possibly become happier by realizing what it is that is keeping them in a dark place, but this book DOES NOT HELP WITH ANXIETY. (all caps because I want everyone who is looking for a journal for self help to get what they need, and/or are looking for). Great product, just not for me.

Lo compré para un regalo y le encanto, todo muy bien, solo que no venía en plástico pero llego en Perfecto estado

How to be less happy is a wonderful tool that has been working really well for me. As well - or better - than any of the tools professionals have given me so far. This book has text broken down into small chunks that are not overwhelming. It is very interactive, and has many different ways to engage with the ideas presented. I think the should appeal to artsy and non-artsy folks alike. If you are anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, or just feeling lost in their life, I highly encourage you to buy a copy of this book. Below, I have included snapshots of a few of the pages to give you an idea of the types of exercises you will do as you move through it.

Deludente, dovrebbe dare input, in realtà è un po' scarno. Mah.....

El desarrollo y las dinámicas que presenta el libro son más que útiles cuando estás buscando un apoyo de este estilo. Ampliamente recomendable.

J'ai beaucoup aimé ce livre. Il guide dans une remise en question de ses attentes, besoins et valeurs. Il aide à mettre des mots sur des émotions qui sont possiblement enfouies. J'aurais simplement aimé qu'il soit plus long! :) Je recommande!