Self Help Books

Bob

Well-Known Forumite
I'm feeling a bit deflated (as I'm sure a lot of us are at the moment) I want to focus on positive changes to improve my life, emotional well being and physical health. I want to be happy and I'm not sure that I am right now.

I'm a natural pessimist, I have never read nor had any desire to read one but...I have a couple of friends who literally swear by them and I'm wondering if I'm dismissing a resource that could be beneficial.

With this in mind I'm interested in what people genuinely think about these so called self help books/self improvement books, is there science there, do any of them work or is it just a load of twaddle?
 

Lucy

Well-Known Forumite
I haven't read any self help books per se, but I did read Quiet by Susan Cain, which is about introverts in an extroverts world and it really helped me have more confidence in myself.
 
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Bob

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this might help, we have been using it at work... just something to focus on one day at a time
https://www.actionforhappiness.org/january

That looks good thanks, just printed it! I like the daily challenge things, I'm on a 30 day declutter at the moment, I'm sure I can squeeze this in too! 30 Declutter Challenge (declutter your life) - The Fabulous blog

I've actually downloaded the Fabulous app, it's designed to make it easier to make positive changes in your life, starting small like drinking more water with bigger things like month long challenges. I've only been using it a few days but I really like it so far, my wardrobe has never been tidier and I've never been more hydrated.
 
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Bob

Well-Known Forumite
Self help books really aren't my kind of thing but I would recommend yoga!

It really gives you some reflective 'me time' and is so relaxing as well as making you feel physically stronger.

Also it doesn't cost a thing!

I really like this lady: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Funny you should say that, it's something if started recently, just 15 minutes in a morning before I have to face the day.
 

lochdhu

Well-Known Forumite
Have also set up the front room for seed planting... not started yet but have lots of seeds - this really helped with the March 2020 lock in. Most of them were ate when they were potted outside but I really enjoyed watching them grow..... you never know some may grow back this year, nature is full of surprises :)
 

Bob

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Have also set up the front room for seed planting... not started yet but have lots of seeds - this really helped with the March 2020 lock in. Most of them were ate when they were potted outside but I really enjoyed watching them grow..... you never know some may grow back this year, nature is full of surprises :)

Not yet but I’ve bought enough seeds to feed a small village. Year 1 was a disaster, I thought it was as simple as chucking some seeds in the ground and producing a bounty, last year was better (year 2) got a small greenhouse and a few raised beds, some things worked and others didn’t. This year I have a big greenhouse waiting to go up and a better idea of what’s involved. I can’t wait to get stuck in. I’ve ordered som mini pots and windowsill greenhouses from Robert Dyas that should be here early next week, as soon as the arrive I’ll get started on a few bits. Need to get the onions going sooner rather that later. I’ve planted asparagus, strawberries, artichoke rhubarb and a few fruit bushes, these should grow back, I’ve got a perpetual spinach that I’m hoping survived the winter too but most stuff needed to be grown again every year. Maybe my allotment guide is the only book I need!
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Bob

Well-Known Forumite
I bought a self help book. WOW !!

I found if I stood on it when measuring my height, I was half an inch taller. :eek:

I'm convinced !! :P


Haha probably best use for it, I've dug out the Kindle and charged it up. I've been told a absolutely have to read 'The Secret' figure why not, instantly decided I wasn't going to pay £12.99 and then I read the reviews. :ohno:

Downloaded the new Jodi Picoult instead.
 
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