Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7-Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life Book

Ok, I admit it. I'm a stress addict. I don't feel valuable to the world unless I'm producing something. I've driven myself to the point of panic attacks when I'm relaxing. So when I saw this book, I had to acknowledge that it was meant for me. Rather than everything written now about how to do more, how to be more connected to the world, I wanted a book that helped me to believe that it was acceptable to be a little withdrawn, and to focus on taking care of myself.

Addicted to Stress did just that, for at least periods of time. It provided good insights into why I was driven by stress, and gave coping techniques. I've found a few ways in which to let go, and some ways to "do better" moving forward.

The book in no way provided all of the answers, but it provided a good overview of a variety of ways in which to think about your life. The variety is what made the book most valuable to me; unlike most other books, it's answer wasn't just "do less, delegate." Nor was the answer to "reduce conflict." Both of these were suggestions, but Debbie Mandel also suggests exercise, and finding your own passion.

Overall, I think I will look back at the book for reference, but it's not one that I'll re-read often.