Hack your anxiety How to make anxiety work for you in life, love, and all that you do

We all know the raised heart rate, tightened muscles, and stomach fluttering that signal anxiety. Warnings about the dangers of excessive stress and anxiety flood the news, and patients are often told to seek ways to avoid it. But what if the dreaded anxiety is a signal that action is needed? What if we could harness our anxiety and put it to good use? Psychologist Clark (with coauthor Sternfeld) begins by dissecting the myths and common misconceptions surrounding the syndrome, explaining common responses to anxiety and then offering practical strategies to provide guidance for anxious people. Far from criticizing the anxious, Clark contends that it's usually the intelligent and empathetic who experience this phenomenon. Using stories from her own practice, Clark demonstrates how sufferers can find the real message behind the symptoms. She urges them to treat themselves with gentleness and to seek help from others. A sense of being out of control seems to be at the root of most anxiety, and Clark's practical suggestions, summed up in her ""Anxiety Toolkit,"" offer solid, comforting ways to master these emotions.--Candace Smith Copyright 2018 Booklist

While most of us try to keep anxiety at bay by squelching it, numbing it, or working feverishly against it, licensed psychologist Clark, joined by writer Sternfeld -(Crisis Point), says the emotion can be a mighty energy source, enabling a person to grow, succeed, and even find peace. Using new research based in neuroscience and case studies, as well as interviews and personal experience, the author encourages listening to our angst, cluing in to its message, and acting with fresh insight. After exploring anxiety's role in the areas of relationships, self-esteem, parenting, and so on, Clark outlines a toolkit that guides readers through steps and key questions geared to harness powerful feelings and turn them into motivators. VERDICT While lengthy, this worthy resource offers workable solutions for a common struggle. © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.