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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Feeling Good summary
The New Mood Therapy
17 mins
Brief summary
Feeling Good by David D. Burns is a self-help book that provides practical techniques based on cognitive behavioral therapy to help combat depression, anxiety, and negative thinking patterns. It offers valuable tools for mental well-being.
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Feeling Good
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Our feelings are dictated by our thoughts
Depression often feels like being trapped in a maze of negative thoughts and emotions. Understanding the nature of these thoughts can be transformative in finding a way out.
Traditionally, depression was viewed primarily as a biological condition, believed to stem from a chemical imbalance in the brain. This led to treatments focusing on pharmaceutical interventions to correct this imbalance. However, not all individuals respond to these medications, suggesting that the origins of depression might also involve psychological factors.
This insight paved the way for cognitive therapy, a method that underscores the significant impact of our thoughts on our emotions. The foundational principle of cognitive therapy is that our moods are directly shaped by our thoughts. Negative self-talk, such as blaming oneself excessively or anticipating the worst, can foster feelings of sadness and anxiety.
What makes cognitive therapy particularly powerful is its assertion that these negative thoughts are often distortions of reality. These distorted thoughts are misleading and not grounded in truth, yet they have a profound influence on our emotions.
Cognitive therapy offers a practical approach: by identifying and adjusting these distorted thoughts, we can change our emotional responses. It teaches us to understand that emotions, while intense, do not necessarily reflect the truth of our situations or our selves. This perspective is not new – it echoes the wisdom of ancient philosophers like Epictetus and Buddha, who believed that our disturbances are not caused by events themselves but by our interpretations of them.
Once we recognize that negative emotions, though they may feel genuine, often stem from distorted perceptions, we uncover an essential truth: our thoughts, not our circumstances, are the real drivers of our feelings. This realization is the first step toward breaking the automatic cycle of negative thinking and emotional responses, a process that often occurs so quickly we don’t even notice it.
Cognitive therapy invites us to slow down and carefully examine our thoughts—where they originated and whether they hold up under scrutiny. By questioning their validity, we begin to understand that our emotional reactions are not inevitable but rather shaped by our interpretations, which we have the power to adjust. Through practice, we can reframe these thoughts, shifting our emotional responses in the process.
Mastering this skill allows us to transform our inner world, moving from despair to hope and from anxiety to peace. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward—a path toward emotional stability and a brighter, more empowered future.
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What is Feeling Good about?
Feeling Good (1999) offers an uplifting perspective on managing conditions like anxiety, guilt, pessimism, and depression, emphasizing that they can be effectively addressed through scientifically proven techniques. Filled with practical strategies, it provides tools to enhance mood, build self-esteem, and better navigate the challenges of negative emotions.
Feeling Good Review
Feeling Good (1980) is a book that dives deep into the world of cognitive therapy and provides valuable insights on how to overcome negative thoughts and emotions. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its practical tools and techniques, it empowers readers to take control of their mental health and improve their overall well-being.
- Through real-life examples and relatable stories, the book helps readers understand the impact of distorted thinking and how to challenge and change those thoughts.
- Instead of being dry and clinical, the book's engaging approach and relatable tone keep readers captivated, making the exploration of emotional well-being anything but boring.
Who should read Feeling Good?
- Individuals struggling with depression and anxiety
- Anyone seeking self-improvement and positivity
- Mental health professionals interested in cognitive therapy techniques
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Feeling Good FAQs
What is the main message of Feeling Good?
The main message of Feeling Good is that we have the power to change our own thoughts and feelings to improve our mental health.
How long does it take to read Feeling Good?
The reading time for Feeling Good varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Feeling Good a good book? Is it worth reading?
Feeling Good is worth reading because it provides practical techniques for overcoming negative thoughts and improving mental well-being.
Who is the author of Feeling Good?
David D. Burns is the author of Feeling Good.
What to read after Feeling Good?
If you're wondering what to read next after Feeling Good, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Job-Ready Guide by Anastasia de Waal
- The Happiness Cure by Anders Hansen
- Tell Yourself a Better Lie by Marisa Peer
- The Leader's Guide to Mindfulness by Audrey Tang
- Melania by Melania Trump
- How To Live An Extraordinary Life by Anthony Pompliano
- Attitude Is Everything by Jeff Keller
- Non-Obvious Thinking by Rohit Bhargava
- No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh
- The Power of Self-Confidence by Brian Tracy