The Happiness Trap (2nd edition) by Dr Russ Harris

 

 

 

 

The first edition of The Happiness Trap sold over 1 million copies and has been translated into more than 30 different languages. In this new updated and expanded edition, there are many tips and lots of useful information for anyone who may be suffering with anxiety and depression, battling an illness, coping with grief or loss, or being in a high-stress situation, including at work.

Dr Russ Harris is a medical practitioner, psychotherapist, and bestselling author, and he uses the scientifically-proven model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a practice which is now recommended by the World Health Organisation). 

I, like so many others, have anxiety, and over the years, I have tried many things to help. I am now able to manage it a lot better, but am always on the lookout to educate myself further and to find ways that may help even more. It sometimes isn't easy, especially when you are not used to making time for yourself or putting yourself first, but it is achievable. Books such as this one can be helpful for those people like myself who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

In The Happiness Trap Dr Harris explains that when we want to increase our happiness, we often try hard to avoid or eliminate unwanted thoughts, but by putting in the effort to do so, it has an adverse reaction and leads to creating more difficult thoughts and feelings. He explains how to deal with 'emotional storms' by noticing and naming our feeling and thought processes. 

Dr Harris also explains how we tend to get hooked on negative thoughts and emotions, and implements strategies to help with it so that we respond to those negative things differently. He also points out ways that our emotions help us and serve three main purposes - communication, illumination and motivation. 

The topic of mindfulness is also explored and explained, and there are tips on being more present in our day-to-day lives (this is something that I need to work on). 

Books like this one offer hope and encouragement, and if you put in the time to follow the techniques, it can really be beneficial.

The format of this book is easy to follow, and it is set out in 30 chapters. It can be read from cover to cover, or you could even break it down and read it over time and refer back to it as needed. 

The Happiness Trap is available through Exisle Publishing, RRP $34.99