Friday 6 January 2017

How I Defrazzle

How I Defrazzle stress mindfulness the guide for the frazzled Ruby Wax book review stress mental health wellbeing anxiety OCD depression mental illlness

Defrazzle. Defrazzle. Deeee....frazzzzllleeee! Okay, I'm going to stop now, but isn't it just such a cool word? I like words and when I come across a new word that I really like I become a bit obsessed and start chucking it in every sentence. Sometimes when it's not even needed! I know, such a rebel! When I was contacted and asked if I would be interested it reading and potentially reviewing, Ruby Wax's newest book 'The mindfulness guide for the frazzled' of course I said yes! I mean, A. it has the word frazzled in the title and B. it's written by the one and only Ruby Wax. I would be an idiot to turn down the offer.

To celebrate the release of the 'The mindfulness guide for the frazzled' coming out in paperback, Penguin sent a few little goodies with the book, like a mini spa 'defrazzle' package to help me relax and you know what I am going to say...DEFRAZZLE in the new year. Inspired by Ruby's new book, which, spoiler alert is excellent. I thought I would share with you what makes me incredibly stressed and quite frankly gets my knickers in a twist, which I can ensure you is not a pretty sight! As well, how I #DEFRAZZLE and how I actually pull myself back down to earth and be a productive human being.

With the help of The mindfulness guide for the frazzled, I've actually picked up some new techniques which I'm dead excited to put to the test and see if they help me out (I'll keep you posted on this) I also have my own, more unconventional ways of reducing stress, which I'm going to share today and maybe, just maybe...you might find them helpful too! Probs not, but ya know? It's worth a try!


"Five hundred years ago no one died of stress: we invented this concept, and now we let it rule us. Ruby Wax shows us how to de-frazzle for good by making simple changes that give us time to breathe, reflect and live in the moment."

She's got a point, hasn't she? Years and years ago, stress wasn't even a thing yet today it is the biggest reason for sick leave, alongside anxiety and depression. So I mean it's safe to say this concept we have invented is pretty damaging. Okay, so you want to reduce your stress and anxiety levels. You want to spend more time living in the moment, being healthier and happier- this is where The mindfulness guide for the frazzled comes in. Thank you, Ruby Wax.

I'm going to hold my hands up from the get-go and say that I haven't read this book from cover to cover and I can't pretend that I have. But there is a very good reason for that. The brilliant thing about this book is the way it is divided into sections, which are pretty timeless. I can see this book on my shelf for years and years to come, even when I'm old and decrepit, and my biggest stress in life is when Waitrose put the price of cat food up. Yes, I'm going to be an old cat lady. There are chapters in this book dedicated to mindfulness for parents, babies and children- none of which I am. Thank God! As ya know, I'm only 18, I'm not quite ready to give my life up just yet.

I, therefore, didn't read that chapter because it wasn't really relevant to me. However, there is a chapter dedicated to teenagers and OMG it was such a good chapter. So much useful advice, tips and techniques! I won't spoil the rest for you because you really need to go and pick this book up and give it a read for yourself. But what I will say, is that it's your full proof, timeless guide to mindfulness and you won't need another self-help book EVER. It's full of science, scientific drawings (trust me!) and a six-week mindfulness course, which I am currently testing out but looks very positive so far! If you are sick of the boring, preachy self-help guides which overload you with Buddism and kale (I know, your pain I study Buddhism at A level), then you need to get yourself a copy of this book. It's oozing with Ruby Wax's hilarious wit, which is sure to alter your perspective on mindfulness.

How I Defrazzle  the mindfulness guide for the frazzled stress self help book Ruby Wax review stress coping

Things that make me Frazzled: 

1. Work
2. College
3. Endless to do lists
4. Blogging
5. Responsibilities of life
6. Doctors appointments 
7. Trying to pick medication up (on the day I put the prescription in. sorry, not sorry)
8. Deadlines
9. People who have their shit together 24/7
10. People thinking that I have my shit together 24/7 (When actually if could see under the surface they would see a headless chicken running around)

How I Defrazzle mindfulness guide for the frazzled Ruby Wax book review relaxing self help book tips advice

How I #Defrazzle

1. Read a book ( normally something funny and light-hearted)
2. Watch a movie (Disney and Harry Potter are my personal faves)
3. Take photos (OMG if you haven't tried this, ya need to)
4. Listen to vinyl
5. Have a hot chocolate (I do love a fudge hot chocolate from Starbucks, I must admit)
6. Watch my favourites playlist on YouTube (Which is full of a right load of weird crap
7. Watch a documentary (Normally a murder or serial killer one because I'm really normal)
8. Watch a feel-good box set, like My Family or Outnumbered. If you not from the UK, you have no idea what I'm on about right now.
9. Doodle
10. Clean and organise (Trust me, it helps!)

There's you thinking I would say things like 'Have a nice long warm bath with my favourite Lush bath bombs' ew no! I'm so odd and would rather watch a programme about people being killed. I'm too weird for my own good sometimes.

You are probably not looking to take any of my advice away with you. I can't say, I blame you. I don't trust my advice either, which is kind of worrying. But you know, whose advice I do trust? Ruby Wax. If you are in serious need of a Defrazzle in 2017, pick up this book and trust me you're be using it in 2027. Unless we all live underwater by that time...oh wait, no, that was the year 3000.

Let me know, what makes you Frazzled and how you #Defrazzle in the comments below! I would love to know if your ways are normal or as bizarre as mine!

Thanks for reading, as always X

*This book was kindly gifted to me by the lovely people at Penguin. However, all opinions are my own, and I am not being paid to write this post* 
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