Perhaps the most comforting – and discomfiting – thing about this book is that it sketches a world of pain and injustice in which it’s nonetheless possible to enjoy life. A Year to Change Your Mind was written during the pandemic and is suffused with an air of staying calm while the world is having a freakout.

From the tendency to lack motivation in January and to experience red-hot anger in the heat of August, to the weight of expectation associated with that back-to-school feeling in September and the pressure to enjoy the December holiday season, we're shown recognisable features of behaviour over the course of the year. Mindfulness and meditation: Practice mindfulness exercises and meditation regularly to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. If I have a criticism of the book, it’s that it contains little of the counterintuitive thinking that makes psychology not only exciting but potentially more useful than a chat with a sensible friend. Seek professional guidance: If you're experiencing mental health challenges, don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional.Sleep-friendly environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. It felt very repetitive and some chapters were way too long as some ideas and suggestions needed only one or two pages instead of 20 which there was generally one idea per month/chapter. Enjoyable activities: Engage in activities that bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment regularly.

Challenging self-criticism: Identify self-critical thoughts and challenge them with self-compassionate alternatives. If you feel a bit off-kilter but not quite bad enough to spend hundreds of pounds on therapy, Maddox’s tips and tricks from the consulting room could be for you. Physical activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to release endorphins and boost resilience. Flexibility exercises: Practice adapting to changes in your daily routine to enhance cognitive flexibility.Normalize mental health conversations: Challenge stigmas by openly discussing mental health with friends, family, and colleagues. Positive social circle: Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift your spirits. The book provides readers with a structured year-long program, incorporating evidence-based principles and practices to transform their mental health. Side note: I don't understand why this book isn't more popular/talked about/has more ratings on Goodreads? Calmer more experienced minds will be aware of these techniques but they are in a perfect package for a young person.

In A YEAR TO CHANGE YOUR MIND, consultant clinical psychologist Dr Lucy Maddox explains how psychological processes thread through our lives, pinpointing those issues most frequently encountered in each month, and shows us how by reflecting upon past experiences, both joyful and painful, and considering evidence-based ideas from the realm of psychology, we can learn to live a more thoughtful, positive life that better prepares us for the future. By breaking down the main principles into actionable checklists, you can easily incorporate the book's recommendations into your daily routine. Filled with practical advice gained from years of offering therapy as a clinical psychologist, Lucy offers insights into how we think, experience the world and other people in it, and make decisions – and some tools to help with those moments when life feels hard. I listened to the audiobook read by the author which helped increase the impact of her personal/professional journey and the examples given. Not only do the book’s modest claims make it likable, but the fact that it isn’t trying to sell you some pumped-up, perfect version of yourself has the effect of making it seem trustworthy too.

Active listening: Practice active listening when engaging in conversations, fully focusing on the other person's words and emotions.

She doesn’t show off at all – you can just deduce from her manner on the page that she’s someone you’d want on your team in a crisis.Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Lucy Maddox explains how psychological processes thread through our lives, pinpointing those issues most frequently encountered in each month, and shows us how by reflecting upon past experiences, both joyful and painful, and considering evidence-based ideas from the realm of psychology, we can learn to live a more thoughtful, positive life that better prepares us for the future. January (new beginnings), March (your environment) and November (rest and JOMO - the joy of missing out) really resonated with me, particularly as it was cold outside as I read this.