Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

Everyone should read this book (even if you don't think you need it)

Long story short(-ish): I read this book because I am interested in psychology and, several months ago, I came across a glowing recommendation for this book in another psychology book I was reading. I was especially intrigued by the rather implausible-sounding claim that many people have reported significant improvements in their mood and their overall psychological wellbeing simply as a result of reading this book, even if they don't actually follow any of the exercises in the book. I was curious but skeptical, so I read it for myself. It took me a lot longer to read than I had expected, mainly because, immediately after reading the chapter on procrastination, I was inspired to make a to-do list and start working on a whole host of chores that I had been putting off for ages, including some long-overdue spring cleaning. I spent so much time working on these chores that I had little time for reading, but my mood was already starting to improve dramatically, and the more I got done, the better I felt. I eventually did finish the book, of course, and I must say that it really did live up to the hype. After reading it, I felt happier, more positive, more motivated to get things done, less anxious, and less stressed out. I also became more productive and less of a procrastinator. While I have never, to the best of my knowledge, suffered from clinical depression, like most people, I do on occasion feel a bit overwhelmed by the stresses of life, which can put me in a bad mood from time to time. I have also long struggled with lethargy and a lack of motivation, coupled with excessive self-criticism and self-doubt, which can make it difficult for me to accomplish the things I want or need to do in life. This book has taught me techniques for coping with these challenges, which not only puts me in a better mood but also makes it much easier for me to motivate myself to get things done. I'm not saying that this book is some sort of "magic bullet" that will instantaneously ...