Book review of Fast Relief from Anxiety: 25 Tools to Calm Your Nervous System

by Dr. Dena Samuels (Author)

Updated at: 30/01/2025

Dr. Dena Samuels' Fast Relief from Anxiety: 25 Tools to Calm Your Nervous System offers immediate, drug-free strategies for managing anxiety. Affecting over 300 million worldwide, anxiety disorders often leave individuals seeking rapid relief. This concise handbook provides 25 practical, self-care solutions focusing on emotional regulation and contemplative practices. Unlike many anxiety resources, this book prioritizes accessibility, incorporating content warnings to minimize triggering information for sensitive readers. Combining tools, checklists, and tracking charts, it empowers readers to build resilience and regain control. While acknowledging the value of therapy and medication, Fast Relief from Anxiety offers a supplemental approach for navigating anxious moments and achieving lasting peace.

5 / 4 ratings

Review Fast Relief from Anxiety

"Fast Relief from Anxiety: 25 Tools to Calm Your Nervous System" has been an absolute lifesaver for me. Honestly, I'm someone who usually avoids self-help books; they often feel overwhelming, filled with jargon and lengthy explanations that just add to my anxiety instead of relieving it. But this book is different. From the very first page, I felt a sense of relief – a breath of fresh air in a world that often feels suffocating.

Dr. Samuels gets it. She understands that when anxiety hits, you don't want a lengthy philosophical treatise; you want actionable solutions, and fast. This book delivers on that promise perfectly. The concise format is incredibly refreshing. Each tool is clearly explained, easy to understand, and, most importantly, easy to implement. I don't need to wade through pages of theory before I can find something that works; I can just jump in and start trying the techniques, which is exactly what I did.

What I particularly appreciate is the diversity of the tools offered. It's not just a one-size-fits-all approach. Some days, a quick breathing exercise is all I need to center myself. Other times, I find solace in the guided visualizations or the simple act of mindful movement. The book empowers you to discover what works best for you, and that personalization is invaluable. There’s no pressure to master every single technique; it's about finding the one or two that resonate and incorporating them into your daily routine. This is a practical handbook, not a rigid program.

The inclusion of tracking charts and checklists is a fantastic addition. It allows you to monitor your progress, identify triggers, and refine your approach over time. This element of self-monitoring is incredibly helpful in building self-awareness and developing a personalized anxiety management plan. I found myself actually looking forward to filling out the charts – a testament to how engaging and helpful I found the structure of the book.

I also want to highlight the sensitivity shown towards readers who might be triggered by detailed descriptions of anxiety symptoms. The inclusion of content warnings is thoughtful and considerate, demonstrating a real understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with anxiety. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the author's empathy and commitment to creating a truly supportive resource.

This book has helped me navigate some incredibly stressful weeks. It's provided me with a toolkit I can draw upon whenever I need it, allowing me to regain control and focus amidst the chaos. I've even recommended it to my daughter, who’s currently in college, and she's found it equally helpful in managing her academic pressures. In short, "Fast Relief from Anxiety" isn't just a book; it's a practical, supportive friend in the challenging journey of managing anxiety. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking quick, effective, and compassionate guidance. Thank you, Dr. Samuels, for creating such a valuable resource.

See more: Conquer Anxiety in 7 Days - A Deep Dive Review