A Healthier, Happier You: 101 Steps for Lessening Stress

After outlining the potential dangers of stress (greater risk of heart disease, damaged relationships, etc.), Smith provides 101 tips on reducing stress in our lives. Some are tried and true (have fun, think the best of other people, take a bubble bath), while others are more unique to Smith, especially tips that involve reducing stress by relating more deeply to other people. (One of the casualties of stress, she rightly points out, is deep, lasting relationships that require time and energy.) Some tips are too vague (""get in touch with yourself"") to be truly helpful. The final section draws upon Christian wisdom to suggest that stress can be effectively reduced by ""reconnecting with our maker""; Smith says that prayer, meditation and praise can all help us to remember what is most significant. Although much of the book will feel familiar, it is nicely packaged in a small, pocket format, and sprinkled with marvelous aphorisms and quotes.