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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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How Not to Worry summary
Paul McGee
The Remarkable Truth of How a Small Change Can Help You Stress Less and Enjoy Life More
24 mins
Brief summary
'How Not to Worry' by Paul McGee is a self-help book that offers practical tips and insights on managing anxiety and stress. With humor and easy-to-read anecdotes, it empowers readers to take control of their worries and find peace of mind.
Table of Contents
How Not to Worry
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Worrying, anxiety and stress are all part of a cycle that can affect your health.
Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, overthinking an upcoming presentation?
Worries can quickly snowball out of control. The key to combating them is remembering this simple motto: “Stop before you spiral.”
Worrying is part of a cycle, where the next stops are anxiety and stress. More precisely, it’s a mode of thinking that leads to anxiety, which in turn, triggers your body’s survival instinct – a series of physical reactions that fall under the category of stress. These can include heart palpitations, dilated pupils and a tightened chest.
Worry, anxiety and stress form a feedback loop. Worrying is both a cause and effect of anxiety or stress, and the cycle can be triggered at any stage. Stress can lead to anxiety and worry, while anxiety can also cause worry and stress.
Take one of the author’s experiences to see how this works.
During a holiday in northwest England, he and his wife heard a seemingly vicious dog barking from behind a hedge. Fearing an imminent attack, the couple’s “fight or flight” instinct kicked in.
In other words, the barking caused stress while their fear of an attack caused anxiety. Agonizing about finding a quick escape route made them worry. It turned out that the author had merely imagined that the dog was prowling around without an owner or a leash, as he felt immediately threatened by the unknown growls.
Once you get stuck in this cycle, it starts taking its toll on your quality of life.
There are a number of physical symptoms. Stress weakens your immune system and leaves you more susceptible to illnesses, as well as decreasing your sex drive.
Mentally, the cycle robs you of the valuable headspace you need to make sound decisions. To put it starkly, stress makes you stupid, as you’re constantly reacting to a threatening world rather than acting rationally.
Most importantly, you lose the ability to simply enjoy the present moment when you’re stuck in this kind of feedback loop. When you’re constantly preoccupied by worst-case scenarios, you lose your sense of motivation and creative inspiration.
Now that we’ve seen how worrying is linked to anxiety and stress, we’ll explore the root causes of your worries.
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What is How Not to Worry about?
How Not to Worry (2012) is a practical and accessible roadmap to defeating anxiety, stress and worry. Logical and clearly laid out, life coach Paul McGee’s approach is all about small changes that make a big difference. He shows that by thinking analytically, you can start dealing with worries rationally and free up valuable headspace for more pleasurable pursuits.
How Not to Worry Review
How Not to Worry (2009) by Paul McGee is a valuable read for anyone seeking to alleviate anxiety and find peace of mind. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Packed with practical strategies and techniques, it equips readers with the tools they need to manage worry and stress effectively.
- By combining scientific research and personal anecdotes, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of worry.
- The book's engaging and relatable approach makes it an enjoyable read, keeping readers captivated from start to finish.
Who should read How Not to Worry?
- Serial worriers and the terminally stressed out
- Life and performance coaches
- Psychology buffs
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How Not to Worry FAQs
What is the main message of How Not to Worry?
The main message of How Not to Worry is to let go of unnecessary stress and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
How long does it take to read How Not to Worry?
The estimated reading time for How Not to Worry varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is How Not to Worry a good book? Is it worth reading?
How Not to Worry is a worthwhile read for anyone looking to overcome worry and anxiety. It provides practical strategies and insights to help navigate life's challenges.
Who is the author of How Not to Worry?
The author of How Not to Worry is Paul McGee.
What to read after How Not to Worry?
If you're wondering what to read next after How Not to Worry, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Overworked and Overwhelmed by Scott Eblin
- The Art of Influencing Anyone by Niall Cassidy
- The Worry-Free Mind by Carol Kershaw and Bill Wade
- TED Talks by Chris Anderson
- The Worry Trick by David A. Carbonell
- Positivity by Barbara L. Fredrickson
- All You Have to Do Is Ask by Wayne Baker
- Magic Words by Tim David
- The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
- Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer