In "Worrying Is Optional" by Ben Eckstein, you'll embark on a journey to conquer the grip of worry in an uncertain world. Acknowledging that worry is a universal experience, this book empowers you to break free from debilitating rumination and anxiety. Drawing from metacognitive therapy, ACT, and CBT, you'll craft a personalized anti-worry toolkit. Discover the science behind worry, learn when to rein in disruptive thoughts, and challenge perfectionism while embracing uncertainty. This invaluable resource offers practical tools and insightful perspectives, seamlessly blending therapeutic approaches and transcending anxiety disorders. With Eckstein's expert guidance, transform your relationship with worry and align with your core values – an essential, adaptable guide to reclaiming peace of mind. I highly recommend it!

3.5 stars! This was a very textbook-style read, packed with plenty of information and tools that could benefit pretty much anyone. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was great for helping me consider my own anxieties, and process more than I realized I needed to.

This was well written and nicely structured, which made it easy enough to read.

I found it very helpful.

I am an anxious person and I felt that this book will become a helpful resource in trying to redirect my thoughts. Definitely a book that I see rereading a few times a year.

Overall, this was a helpful book. I think the author makes a lot of good points about the difference between a worry and worrying.

I thought a lot of his examples were relatable and his insight into particular things like OCD were good.

Having read several books about anxiety, the book did not have a lot of information that I haven't already read.

He gave an example of the "Swiss Cheese Model" that brought up the pandemic and I don't know ... it's too soon. The way he used the model didn't particularly fit because the things done during that time have proven to have not worked for most people. I think a lot of readers may be turned off by that paragraph just because a lot are experiencing fatigue on that subject.

Thank you NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications for an e-book of WORRYING IS OPTIONAL to review.

I rate WORRYING IS OPTIONAL three out of five stars.

This was a really great book with applicable tools to live with worry and grow stronger in the process.

"Worrying Is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck" authored by Ben Eckstein and Lisa W. Coyne is a compelling guide that delves into the pervasive struggle with worry in an increasingly uncertain world. This comprehensive book not only acknowledges the universality of worry as a human experience but also provides invaluable insights into effectively managing it. The authors emphasize that while worry is a natural response, excessive and persistent worrying can have detrimental consequences, impacting our sleep, daily functioning, decision-making, and overall well-being.

The book commences by assuring readers that to some extent, worry is a normal response to life's uncertainties. However, it firmly distinguishes between occasional, functional worrying and the kind of worry that becomes overwhelming and counterproductive. The latter can lead to a relentless cycle of rumination and anxiety, hindering our ability to navigate life's challenges.

At its core, the book conveys an empowering message: worrying is a choice. The authors assert that individuals have the agency to decide whether or not to engage in excessive worry. This perspective forms the bedrock of their strategy for breaking free from the cycle of unhelpful rumination and anxiety.

To facilitate this transformation, the book introduces readers to a plethora of therapeutic approaches and techniques sourced from metacognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The authors stress the importance of tailoring these techniques to individual needs, encouraging readers to construct their own personalized toolkit for managing worry.

Readers embark on a comprehensive journey encompassing various facets of worry. This includes gaining insight into the underlying mechanisms of worry, identifying its triggers, and acquiring the skills to set boundaries to prevent it from spiraling out of control. The book also explores tackling perfectionism and embracing uncertainty—two common factors that contribute to excessive worry.

This book is excellent. I wish I would have had this 40 years ago but its still going to be a big help for me as I need to put things into perspective at times. This book is doing that for me. First off the whole worry, then trigger a response cycle is explained in easy to follow terms. I could see all the mistakes I am making and started taking notes on doing things differently now. I bought a journal and with this book I am making progress toward my own healing and positive outcomes. Another thing I really liked about this book was the examples of people who manage worry better and their stories. It made sense and is a really helpful book/

I come from a family of worriers. This title caught my attention because my worry doesn't feel optional. It's been part of me for so long. The book did help me to understand more of where it stems from and how to put anxious thoughts aside. I liked the structure of the book. I plan to share this tile with family like my mom and brother! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.