The book does offer 50 ways to reduce stress. I feel like it was a bit disjointed. It could easily have been simplified into a magazine article. I was expecting something a bit deeper for a book.

There are a few things I like about this book. The author separated each subject into it's separate section that only takes up a few pages which makes it easier to read for me. The author also uses scientifically based evidence for each suggestion as well as listing the sources which allows you to seek additional information on any subject you may want which makes it easier to find ways to help solve whatever issue you may have.

Thank you so much to @sourcebooks for my review copy. Did you know it is estimated we make around 35,000 decisions per day ? No wonder everyone experiences stress on some level 😆

If your brain ever feels like an internet browser with thirty-five tabs open, this book is for you. Has anyone ever thought you were crazy for finding it relaxing to read crime fiction or listen to a true crime podcast? As this book explains, you’re not nuts-it’s based on neuroscience. For example, it activates your pituitary gland, releasing endorphins, which can also lead to the production of dopamine and serotonin. Distraction can also be calming.

I love that this book embraces exploring different ways to reduce stress & it explains why it works. This book is out now, get a copy if you want a boost to your well-being!

4/5 stars

I am trying to read a bit more nonfiction, particularly in the morning before work. What I liked about this book is that each section had bite-sized chunks that you could read and then go about your day.

As someone with anxiety, I picked up some new ideas. As for some of my current coping skills, I liked being reassured that these skills are legit because each section/skill details either a study or an expert in the field.

Read this if you’d like to pick up some new stress-relieving skills in an easy-to-read format!

Megy Karydes 50 WAYS TO MORE CALM, LESS STRESS is a general review of anxiety-reducing activities based on the five main senses (touch, taste, smell, hear, and see). Within each sense, the author provides a number of different suggestions, which I appreciated since I'm not a gardener (for example) but like to write and doodle.

As a mental health provider, I do not believe this book would be helpful for those with severe mental health concerns - some activities requiring having the mental and physical energy to get up and do things, which is often impossible for those with severe depression and anxiety. For those with more mild symptoms who are looking for simple suggestions to pull themselves out of the fog, this book is probably going to be very helpful.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book.

Hi everyone!
This is a very nice collection of self-care activities for a calmer life.
The presentation really exceeded my expectations, the book is long and aesthetically pleasing. The activities are divided by the 5 senses and each one has a little 2-3 pages long explanation, with a study or a story, on how and why you should do it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is a perfect book for those who are always stressed. It shows 50 ways of how you can distress including gardening, doodling, reading and cooking. The ways are not far from the norm and those are
easy to try.

This is a quick, feel-good read, but it feels like a mashup of the most common tips you'd see in any self care book. The author isn't specialized in any specific topic, and rather just pulled some research stats for each of the suggestions (which are very mundane, such as reading or doing yoga). It's unclear who the audience is (as this wouldn't really apply to those with more severe ADHD/depression/anxiety since it assumes you have the energy, time, & motivation for activities like a running club.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!

A very helpful guide on how to help calm down your stress, handle cortisol and feel less anxious. Many of the suggestions were easily accessible for most people, and I felt that was a huge help for readers!

Thank you to Sourcebooks, Megy Karydes, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

This book is a great self-help tool for so many people. Not just for stress but if anyone is having a difficult time or are feeling down, this book gives you 50 different ways that can help a person, such as his chapter on mind games. Not only does Karydes go into why this is listed as a strategy, but also gives some guidelines for anyone who wants to try it on their own. Honestly though, what I appreciated most was that Karydes breaks these strategies into which of the five senses it falls under. What is so nice about that is if someone does not like physical strategies when they are worried or upset, they can try a method listed under one of the other senses. I highly recommend this book to all, if not to read from cover to cover, than to have on hand for moments when you are struggling (even if it is in the moment) that you can use to reference for ideas.

I adore this book. It has such accessible sensible suggestions and ideas to help you cope with (and enjoy ) day to day life and stresses. I can see this finding it's way into my friends Christmas stockings.

I really liked this book. I am a mental health therapist, and can definitely see myself using this as a tool. I often hear Client's say "i've tried all of the coping skills and they don't work. I love that this book focuses on the senses and breaks it up in such a manner.

Thanks for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the tips at the end of each section. As a mom of 3 young children trying to break generational curses it's sometimes hard to find time for self care or ways to stay calm in a constant state of overwhelm. But I found and bookmarked plenty of ideas in this book to try throughout my day!
I highly recommend this book if you are trying to find ideas other than working out/ yoga / meditation bc who has the time!

I like it when a self-help book helps you right from the very beginning, without having to read chapter after chapter first. If you’re in need of a quick rescue, this is your book. Using the senses as tools to find calm, peace, stillness, and more, this book has lots of tips, techniques, and ideas for how you can use your senses to help in everyday life. You can read through cover to cover, or dip in and out as suits you.
Would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for an advanced e-copy to read and review.

Loved this book! User friendly, structured with the five senses, offers a plethora of tips on how to calm down and distress. I will be purchasing a physical copy as it is one that needs to enjoyed and returned to, throughout the year.

This is a great book to learn how to relax and relieve stress. I love the 50 different ways to help calm yourself, there is something for every one. It's great to have so many to choose from. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC.

I thought this book was really enjoyable and overall, really easy to read and understand. I already do many of these things, but the author's personal stories really make it fun to read.

A great and well organized book. I loved how this was divided up. It was divided into the 5 senses and had great suggestions under each category. I really enjoyed the overall feel of the book. Definitely something to look into if dealing with anxiety or something similar.

50 ways to more calm, less stress is a book that everyone should read. We all feel anxiety stress at one point of life. Our lives are so stressed with so much to do, so many things to achieve.

The introduction to this book was such a bang on that I have read it several times and nodded with great pleasure. How people talk about yoga and meditation are so helpful and I agree but then it is not everyone is something I agree with even more.

Over a period of time, I have heard a lot many people tell me how yoga shaped their life and I want to say to them ,"I'm glad for you." But it is true that I can not apply the same in my life because my mind is never still. My mind is always racing. Even if I'm doing something, I'm lost in thoughts. So this might make me a very anxious person. And it does.

This book helps you to find a calm state working through your various senses . Taste, smell, see , hear and touch. And it is so relatable because I always find my calm when I do gardening. There are 50 ways in the book and that's the best part because there might be something for everybody. Like writing and doodling are also mentioned in the list but it will never work for me because again my mind race but I know it works for many people as my personal experience.

Overall, this book makes a great read for those struggling to keep their daily life stress free. Although it really can not be totally stress free but the ways mentioned in the book will definitely help you.

A must read for every anxious mind out there.


Thank you very much Netgalley and Magy Karydes for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

There were some ideas that I already utilize (runner’s high, cooking/chopping, walking, reading, puzzles) and others that piqued my interest (letters of gratitude, massage, experimenting with spices, lavender oil for anxiety). I agree with another reviewer who said reading this book is calming on its own. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!