50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses

by Megy Karydes

Touch, taste, smell, hear, and see your way to better self-care and mental well-being. Let's face We all feel stress. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga only go so far, and not being able to sit still and be alone with our thoughts isn't that unusual. The mind is designed to engage with the world around us, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding what calms us because we are so unique in our circumstances, our lifestyles, our finances, and our interests.  50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress explores different ways each of our five senses can help bring more calm and less stress into our lives. Whether through touch, sight, taste, smell, or sound, each activity includes research or science-backed studies that support why it offers health and wellness benefits as well as ways you can incorporate them into your own life. The best part―most of the activities are either low or no cost and can be done inside your own home or right outside your door. Activities If your brain constantly feels like an internet browser with thirty-five tabs open, or if you want to quiet the noise in your head long enough to think about what matters most in your life, this book is for you.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Audiobook

352 pages, Paperback

Published December 26, 2023

Reviews

[The Bibliophile Doctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review : I read 50 ways to more calm , less stress in October and as soon as I saw the audiobook I knew that there was this second chance to revisit the book I loved. And I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

50 ways to more calm, less stress is a book that everyone should read. We all feel anxiety stress at one point of life. Our lives are so stressed with so much to do, so many things to achieve.

The introduction to this book was such a bang on that I have read it several times and nodded with great pleasure. How people talk about yoga and meditation are so helpful and I agree but then it is not for everyone is something I agree with even more. I'm kind of person who can't sit(apart from reading) even when I'm not having anxiety. We are gifted with so much stress because of our fast lives. And doing yoga while you are at peak of anxiety just feels like a task, not something you can do to soothe yourself, atleast not for me. Yoga has helped me a lot when I was having anxiety, but that was back when I had a yoga teacher to refine my moves and positions of yoga for the maximum benefits. Without a teacher, I'm lost.

Over a period of time, I have heard a lot many people tell me how yoga shaped their life and I want to say to them ,"I'm glad for you." But it is true that I can not apply the same in my life because my mind is never still. My mind is always racing. Even if I'm doing something, I'm lost in thoughts. So this might make me a very anxious person.

This book helps you to find a calm state working through your various senses . Taste, smell, see , hear and touch. And it is so relatable because I always find my calm when I do gardening. There are 50 ways in the book and that's the best part because there might be something for everybody. Like writing and doodling are also mentioned in the list but it will never work for me because again my mind race but I know it works for many people as I'm told by many of my friends.

Overall, this book makes a great read for those struggling to keep their daily life stress free. Although it really can not be totally stress free but the ways mentioned in the book will definitely help you.

A must read for every anxious mind out there.


Thank you very much Netgalley and Magy Karydes for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Yamini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book, not because you are stressed, but, to be aware of all the options you can try to come out of a stressful situation. The book presents you with several alternative pathways to choose from and find out what works for you. Though you may feel that such solutions are just a Google away, the book goes in-depth to explain why a particular method works (by mentioning the details of brain messaging and receptive systems). It also backs its statements with validated scientific research, which at least for me added a sense of trust towards the pointers mentioned here.

Along with all this, if there is a particular trajectory you wish to pick, the author went into the details of a step-by-step guide for the best way to do so.
The only con here was that I felt that a few ways discussed in the book were very similar. if not repetitive. For instance, gardening and house planting OR Doodling, drawing, painting and colouring by numbers - that were strategically placed apart towards the start and end of the book 😜. I only noticed them as I was making notes for future implementation. Overall a pretty helpful book and is worth reading at least once for all.

Important learning from the book: Physical Clutter = Mental Clutter

Genre: #nonfiction #selfhelp
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Thank you @netgalley @tantoraudio @sourcebooks and @megykarydes for the Audiobook ARC. The narrator: Siiri Scott also did a great job, of conveying the overall essence of the book in a great voice.

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides so many ways to deal with stress. Not only does it give you various ways to deal with stress, but it also goes into detail about all of the various options. The book also details the reasoning behind why each strategy will assist with reducing stress levels. I love that there is scientific research to back up each strategy. There are great tips in this book. While a lot of therm weren't new to me, the scientific data that backs up each idea was new information to me. This is a book for everyone!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about activating your 5 senses to destress and welcome in self care. The subtitle is Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety & Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses. ⁣Divided into sections pertaining to each of our senses, the book itself produces calm with its smooth pages and pastel colors. Many of the calming activities in the book are things that appeal to me, including slow reading, photography, finding community, going for a walk, petting a cat (well for me it’s a dog!), journaling, etc. ⁣

[Sherry Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are overwhelmed by life or the experiencing regulate or debilitating anxiety, Megy Karydes offers endless suggestions to find more calm in your life. Using your five senses and being present in these different activities can really help these unwanted feelings. What is great about her suggestions is that if it is t right for you, tray a different method. There is something for everyone. Personally I’m feeling calmer after listing to this great book. 👍🏻

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

While many of these ideas I am already doing, there were a few reminders in here, like lighting some candles and scheduling time to do nothing are good ideas. I liked that there were some scientific studies given to back up the ideas.

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: "50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress" by Megy Karydes - A Journey to Wellness Through the Five Senses

Introduction:
In today's fast-paced world, the quest for calm and stress relief is a universal pursuit. If you're someone who enjoys delving into self-help and wellness literature, "50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress" by Megy Karydes is a valuable addition to your reading list. This book, focusing on utilizing your five senses to enhance your well-being, offers scientifically proven strategies to reduce anxiety and boost mental health. As a passionate book reviewer, you'll find this insightful guide to be a treasure trove of ideas for your blog or business.

Synopsis:
"50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress" is not just another self-help book. It's a comprehensive exploration of how our five senses—touch, sight, taste, smell, and sound—can be harnessed to bring tranquility into our hectic lives. Megy Karydes draws from scientific research and studies to back her claims, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking practical and evidence-based ways to manage stress and anxiety.

Key Elements:

1. **Holistic Approach**: Unlike some self-help books that focus on a single aspect of well-being, this book takes a holistic approach by considering all five senses. Karydes emphasizes that we are unique individuals with diverse circumstances, lifestyles, and interests, and this diversity requires a multifaceted approach to self-care.

2. **Scientific Backing**: Each of the 50 activities in the book is supported by scientific research, providing readers with confidence that these strategies are not just anecdotal but have a solid foundation in science.

3. **Accessibility**: One of the most appealing aspects of this book is that the activities suggested are low or no cost and can be easily incorporated into daily life. Whether it's gardening, doodling, or simply savoring a cup of tea, these practices are accessible to everyone.

4. **Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques**: "50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress" is an excellent resource for those who struggle with mindfulness or meditation. It offers alternative methods to quiet the mind and find peace through sensory experiences.

5. **Personal Growth**: The book encourages readers to slow down, disconnect from the constant noise of modern life, and reflect on what truly matters. It's a guide for personal growth and self-discovery.

Social Media and Blogging Potential:

As someone who enjoys making social media posts and blogging for your business, this book provides an abundance of content opportunities:

1. **Content Series**: Create a series of blog posts or social media updates where you explore each of the 50 activities in detail. Share your personal experiences and how they have impacted your well-being.

2. **Interview the Author**: Reach out to Megy Karydes for an interview or feature on your blog. Discuss her motivations for writing the book and delve deeper into some of the scientifically proven techniques.

3. **Interactive Content**: Engage your audience by conducting polls or surveys about their favorite sensory relaxation techniques. Encourage them to share their experiences and tips.

4. **Visual Content**: If you're into creating visual content, consider designing infographics or short videos summarizing the key takeaways from the book.

Conclusion:

"50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress" by Megy Karydes is a valuable resource for anyone seeking practical ways to enhance their well-being. As a book reviewer and content creator, you have a unique opportunity to share the insights from this book with your audience. Its focus on utilizing the five senses to achieve tranquility offers a fresh perspective on stress management. By incorporating the book's principles into your blog and social media posts, you can help others on their journey to a calmer, more balanced life. It's a book that not only provides valuable insights but also serves as a springboard for meaningful content creation.

[Jami Seymore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! While some things feel like no-brainers (i.e. going for a walk), many others listed were quite enlightening. The author not only made a list, but made tangible steps for a person to get started on things like gardening (and knowing how to test soil, what plants to buy for your climate, etc) in ways that are helpful and more likely to work well and reduce anxiety for someone rather than cause more of it. Megy Karydes compiled well thought out research with methods that target each of the senses with plenty of options that can suit anyone, whether they need just a bit of daily calm, or if someone suffers from anxiety impacting much of their daily life.
I’ve gradually been more open about my struggles with anxiety, which got really bad this year, and have naturally gravitated toward needlework, cooking, and paint by numbers lately which I loved to see were all included.
Narrator Siiri Scott was a calming presence and very easy and interesting to listen to throughout the audiobook.
Thank you to RB Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Emily Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks, Megy Karydes, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

This book is a great self-help tool for so many people. Not just for stress but if anyone is having a difficult time or are feeling down, this book gives you 50 different ways that can help a person, such as his chapter on mind games. Not only does Karydes go into why this is listed as a strategy, but also gives some guidelines for anyone who wants to try it on their own. Honestly though, what I appreciated most was that Karydes breaks these strategies into which of the five senses it falls under. What is so nice about that is if someone does not like physical strategies when they are worried or upset, they can try a method listed under one of the other senses. I highly recommend this book to all, if not to read from cover to cover, than to have on hand for moments when you are struggling (even if it is in the moment) that you can use to reference for ideas.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress by Megy Karydes is a fantastic read that truly lives up to its title. Bursting with an abundance of practical ideas, the book is a go-to guide for anyone seeking calmness in today's fast-paced world.

It has an engaging and personable approach while effortlessly weaving in scientific facts, keeping the reader captivated from start to finish. The "Try it" sections are thoughtfully laid out to encourage action. I've taken notes to incorporate some of these ideas into my routine, hoping to see a positive impact on my day-to-day stress.

50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their well-being while enjoying the journey of self-discovery. When it comes to Self-Help books, this one is a 5 star from me.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always trying to find ways to reduce stress. As someone who gets bored during yoga and distracted during meditation, this immediately piqued my interest! I listened to the audiobook and it was delightful!

This is a great book that focuses on your senses, by highlighting alternative ways to relax and reduce stress. The author takes care to mention variations that can be made to some of the activities.

A few topics the author dives into include: gardening, journaling, doodling, and book binding. There’s even a whole section about cats and volunteering! There's something for everyone, and many of the ideas can be done for free or through community classes.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for my early copy on audio!

[Krysti · Rating 4 out of 5]

50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress by Megy Karydes

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

4/5 stars

I am trying to read a bit more nonfiction, particularly in the morning before work. What I liked about this book is that each section had bite-sized chunks that you could read and then go about your day.

As someone with anxiety, I picked up some new ideas. As for some of my current coping skills, I liked being reassured that these skills are legit because each section/skill details either a study or an expert in the field.

Read this if you’d like to pick up some new stress-relieving skills in an easy-to-read format!

[Cierra Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the tips at the end of each section. As a mom of 3 young children trying to break generational curses it's sometimes hard to find time for self care or ways to stay calm in a constant state of overwhelm. But I found and bookmarked plenty of ideas in this book to try throughout my day!
I highly recommend this book if you are trying to find ideas other than working out/ yoga / meditation bc who has the time!

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way better than your typical mindfulness book or website. The book is divided into five sections (one for each of the senses). Then each chapter in those sections encapsulates one concept. Every idea is supported by information from experts who are quoted and/or cited. I think that’s what sets this book apart from others. A lot of what I highlighted were tidbits from her sources. At the end of every chapter is a list of ideas to “try it”. These range from simple ideas you can incorporate right away to deep dives if you really want to get into it.

You can pick and choose what to read by using the table of contents or the index as your guide. You could also read it straight through. I like to open the book at random and see what I get.

I bought this for myself as a New Year’s resolution kind of thing. Once I started it, I bought one for my BFF as well.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety & Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses by Megy Karydes offers readers an assortment of ways to decrease anxiety and promote a healthier happier life. The book is divided into five sections for the senses which is interesting, and I could see that being beneficial for anyone using this as a resource for targeted anxiety events. None of the fifty methods seemed like new ideas to me but everything was well supported with external information and citations. There are certainly a lot of good tips that would make this a helpful read for everyone (including those that are looking for ways to be supportive of loved ones with anxiety).

Thank you @netgalley @tantoraudio @sourcebooks and @megykarydes for the Audiobook ARC.

[Mhughessc · Rating 4 out of 5]

"50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses", by Megy Karydes, offers its readers a variety of methods to help decrease anxiety and make you feel happier. While many of these methods I've heard of before, there were several new ideas that I hadn't anticipated. My favorite portion was the section on gardening, and the benefits that can be gained from the natural bacteria in the soil. I was really interested to read what benefits can be had from the soil bacteria. This book will be very beneficial for readers looking for ways to relieve their anxiety.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Jang · Rating 3 out of 5]

50 ways to more calm, less stress is a book that everyone should read, as it addresses anxiety and stress in our fast-paced lives. The book discusses yoga and meditation as helpful tools, but not everyone can apply them to their lives. The author, who has experienced anxiety, finds it difficult to find a calm state without a yoga teacher. The book helps readers find a calm state through various senses, such as taste, smell, sight, hear, and touch. The 50 ways mentioned in the book may not be suitable for everyone, but they are a must-read for those struggling to maintain a stress-free daily life. The book is a must-read for anyone struggling with anxiety and is grateful to Netgalley and Magy Karydes for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[✨ Katee · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley as I received the audiobook in exchange for an honest review*

I usually don't read non fiction at all so I was wary going into this. But I didn't need to worry because it was actually fairly easy to listen to. The author finds a way to keep you engaged while sharing scientific facts. Most of the methods presented in here may not be groundbreaking, but it was nice to have help going through them mindfully. While all methods rely on our senses, some are more simple and less time consuming, others require more effort and would benefit long term.
This won't be the last time I'll read a book like this.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a quick, feel-good read, but it feels like a mashup of the most common tips you'd see in any self care book. The author isn't specialized in any specific topic, and rather just pulled some research stats for each of the suggestions (which are very mundane, such as reading or doing yoga). It's unclear who the audience is (as this wouldn't really apply to those with more severe ADHD/depression/anxiety since it assumes you have the energy, time, & motivation for activities like a running club.

[b · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dedicated self care lover, this book didn’t really present me with anything new. However, it was extremely cute and I loved how it broke things down and didn’t focus on mediation and breathing as the only way to be mindful. I enjoy how you can flip to any page and find a strategy to try. I might look into purchasing this book for my younger clients to help build a self care foundation because it’s so accessible and detailed without being too long of a read.

[Tracymarksseglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciated so much about this lovely resource: that the creative ideas are rooted in science; that each chapter ends with practical start-now applications appropriate for an array of interests, personalities and life realities; that some choices are familiar (meditation, music) while others are novel (wear the same dress every day, be daring and experimental w spices, do literally nothing). And, the author’s voice is so thoughtful, comforting and encouraging—a source of delight in itself.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to on Libby.

This book should be called "Hobbies are good. Do you need a hobby?" Basically this was hobbies are good and lists a bunch of things one can occupy their life with. There are also more "tips" shall we say but I pretty much do them already so won't really change my life. I guess it's good to know the hobbies I have are making me happy? I just don't understand how people can like not have hobbies but if you need one (or 17) this is the book to experience.

[Esrin]

50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress by Megy Karydes is an incredible read.
Easy to read and nothing too difficult to comprehend. I can almost say that reading the book is calming on it's own.
I have to say that some tips were not it for me. It could be because of my age. Once I am in my thirties I would read it.

[Sarah Buron · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some ideas that I already utilize (runner’s high, cooking/chopping, walking, reading, puzzles) and others that piqued my interest (letters of gratitude, massage, experimenting with spices, lavender oil for anxiety). I agree with another reviewer who said reading this book is calming on its own. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great title! I mean, yes, please, give me all the ways! This book has great content and excellent suggestions for the reader to become less stressed in life. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars!

[Karen Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this book. It has such accessible sensible suggestions and ideas to help you cope with (and enjoy ) day to day life and stresses. I can see this finding it's way into my friends Christmas stockings.

[lizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!

A very helpful guide on how to help calm down your stress, handle cortisol and feel less anxious. Many of the suggestions were easily accessible for most people, and I felt that was a huge help for readers!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I requested this audiobook from NetGalley, I wasn't sure if it would have anything new to offer me. I was pleasantly surprised! While many of the relaxation activities and strategies were either not new or were things I am already enjoying, there were quite a few that I had either never heard of or just hadn't connected to stress relief. I like that there were ideas to appeal to each of the five senses. I'll be checking out the print version from my library so I can make a list for future reference.

Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.

#50WaystoMoreCalmLessStress #NetGalley

[Mia Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent reminder that we have a lot of tools at our disposal to help us regulate and move through stress. Nothing earth-shattering, a lot of repetition. Splitting things up by senses sounded like a neat concept but it ended up needlessly categorizing multi sensory activities,

[Gigi Maroulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the title really called out to me. As I read along, I couldn't help but get immersed. The writing was really nice and easy to follow. The tips were also really nice and while I may not implement all of them, I did write down ones I will, and that to me means a lot.