In his book Notes on a Nervous Planet, Matt Haig seeks to answer three questions:
- How do we feel happen when we are encouraged to be anxious?
- How do we stay human in a technological world?
- How can we stay sane on a planet that makes us mad?
His answers to these questions are brief, readable, and, I think, helpful for most people to consider. At times, he is philosophical, and at times, he is practical. At times, he provides simple checklists; at others, he elaborates more. These combinations make the book readable and relatable without feeling preachy.
His answers, observations, and suggestions all focus on the unique situations, particularly technological, that we face in modern society, and he inserts enough of his own experiences for us to know that he is one of us and not a guru with all the answers.
Here is one example, paraphrased and condensed from the book, in which he provides tips for “How to exist in the 21st century and not have a panic attack:”
- Keep an eye your yourself—be your own friend and parent. Be kind to yourself.
- Declutter your mind.
- Listen to calm noise, such as waves, a breeze, or rain.
- Let it happen. To panic about panicking makes it worse.
- Accept feelings.
- Don’t grab life by the throat. Here he quotes Ray Bradbury, “Life should be touched, not strangled.”
- Know that fear is not necessary; it is okay to release it.
- Be aware of where you are and get to calm surroundings.
- Release tightness through stretching and exercise.
- Breathe
Grab a copy to see how he elaborates on this list and related topics. Throughout the book, I found myself reminded of things I already know and often forget to do, and I bet you’ll feel the same way.
For current clients, I have a copy in my office that you are welcome to borrow.