Happy AF: Simple Strategies to Get Unstuck, Bounce Back, and Live Your Best Life

by Beth Romero

Feeling crappy? Wanna be happier? Wanna up your game?  
Happy AF is your comprehensive roadmap for happiness. Drawing heavily from neuroscience, positive psychology, and behavioral science, the straightforward strategies and exercises in this how-to guide will teach you how to strengthen your happiness muscle and live up to your greatest potential. Happiness junky Beth Romero serves up a life-affirming parable laced with contextual how-tos—all backed by clinical research—in fresh, insightful, and accessible language you can relate to. Kinda like your best friend giving it to you straight (with love) over cocktails. In this book, you will
* the art of letting go
* proven ways to jiu-jitsu your negative thoughts to transform your life
* how goals, vision, purpose are the stepping-stones to greatness
* the importance of gratitude and grace in your happiness journey
* the scientific link between sleep, morning routines, diet, and exercise on your mental well-being
* and much, much more!

Happiness is a choice—and it’s within your reach. If you do the work . If you believe. Much like Dorothy with her ruby slippers, the power is always within you . . . just waiting for you to access it. So get ready to click your Manolos, Dr. Martens, or Adidas and find your happy place.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Beth Romero was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After a thirty-year sojourn on the West Coast, she recently moved back to Philadelphia. In addition to having made her a pizza aficionado, her Italian American, East Coast background inspires the straightforward, humorous, and self-deprecating narrative style that characterizes her writing. (As every good cook knows, the secret is the salt.)

With a background and degree in psychology, Beth channeled her creativity into a successful sales and branding career. From Veep to Boss to Happiness Junkie, persuasive storytelling is her superpower. She showcases those skills to their fullest in this practical and entertaining how-to guide for happiness.

Reviews

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Happy AF: Simple Strategies To Get Unstuck, Bounce Back, And Live Your Best Life by Beth Ramero came into my life when I needed a little help regaining my own happiness.

Romero has a degree in psychology but wrote the tips within this self-help book in an approachable way, sighting her own personal experiences to back up the scientific knowledge (many from during the Covid pandemic).

At the end of each chapter, there is a happiness check to apply the facts from that lesson into your life, aiding the reader on their way to find their own happiness.

Chapter seven, Success On The Daily, was my favourite, which reiterated the direction I'm moving my life: getting enough sleep, finding a routine, practicing moderation, and being active. It was good to have my own ideas confirmed, knowing they are backed by the research Romero did!

Thank you Book Sparks for the complimentary copy to read and review.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise of this book sounded right up my street. But I was left super gutted by this.
The writing was super long winded. It was very much Beth Romero talking about their life with anecdotes and not so much 'strategies to get unstuck'
I wanted more advice, and less of the 'memoir-style' writing of Romero.

[Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, the title is cringey. Self help in general is... cringey. However, Beth Romero pulls it off.

This book goes through the small and feasible steps you can take to get yourself out of a depression and then prevent another depression. This was an easy, light read but I came out of it feeling like I have some real action steps I can take in my life.

So, conclusion: good book.

[Carol Standish-Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the words of the author,, “this book is essentially a rehabilitation training manual for the spirit and soul. .. grounded in science. Story telling laced with contextual how tos all backed with clinical science”. The book comes out of the 2020 coronavirus epidemic that had a huge effect on the lives of everyone. A relationship breakdown and the death of her father made Beth Romero decide to move from depressed to chronically happy. Here she chronicles.the steps and practices she used. Each chapter ends with three steps that would either stretch, challenge or double dare the reader,

Although there isn’t really anything new in here it is an enjoyable read with a smattering of profanity thrown in. There is enough here to challenge the reader who feels stuck in life and wants encouragement and inspiration to take the first steps to achieving their goals.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When life gives you lemons... grab tequila & salt, and throw a party.

Self-help book lovers, you won't find anything revolutionary in this book, but you definitely will enjoy it during those downtimes when the feeling of depression is creeping up on you. This book will serve as a ray of sunshine in the dark cloud, even if this ray is Beth Romero flashing a flashlight in your face and offering you to get your backside from under the blanket and this midday slump. She will keep it real, simple, and entertaining, all that is left for you is to follow through, because in a world where you can't control everything you still can control your attitude towards things, and the author will show you how.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always refreshing to come across a book that offers practical insights into happiness and personal growth, and "Happy AF" by Beth Romero seems to be just that. This comprehensive roadmap to happiness appears to be a promising guide, drawing on scientific principles and research from fields like neuroscience and positive psychology.

The book's approach of combining a life-affirming parable with practical exercises and strategies is intriguing. It allows readers to not only understand the concepts but also implement them in their lives. The use of accessible language is a significant advantage, making complex topics more relatable.

Let's delve a bit deeper into some of the key takeaways mentioned in the book:

1. **The Art of Letting Go:** Learning to let go of negative emotions and past baggage is a crucial step towards happiness. It's interesting to see how the book approaches this concept and provides actionable advice on how to do it effectively.

2. **Transforming Negative Thoughts:** The idea of using jiu-jitsu on negative thoughts to transform one's life is intriguing. It suggests that we can harness the power of our thoughts to create positive change, which is a powerful concept.

3. **Goals, Vision, Purpose:** The book highlights the importance of having clear goals, a strong vision, and a sense of purpose in life. These elements often serve as motivators and direction-setters for personal growth.

4. **Gratitude and Grace:** The mention of gratitude and grace in the happiness journey is noteworthy. These qualities can have a profound impact on one's overall well-being and mindset.

5. **Scientific Links:** Exploring the scientific connections between sleep, morning routines, diet, exercise, and mental well-being is incredibly relevant in today's fast-paced world. Understanding how these factors influence our happiness can empower individuals to make positive lifestyle changes.

Overall, "Happy AF" seems like a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their happiness, overcome challenges, and live their best life. The book's engaging and relatable style, combined with evidence-based strategies, makes it a compelling read. It's a reminder that happiness is indeed a choice, and with the right knowledge and effort, it can be within everyone's reach.

If you decide to read "Happy AF," I'd recommend taking notes as you go along to capture the exercises and strategies that resonate with you the most. Applying these insights to your life could lead to significant positive changes. Happy reading, and may your journey towards greater happiness be filled with insights and actionable steps!

[Nidhi Srivastava · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-help books have no fixed rules for reading or writing. This particular book is based on the author’s personal experiences, giving it a unique touch. Like other self-help books, it encourages us to prioritize ourselves over the world.

‘Happy AF’ is a complete guide to happiness, as the author wants to share it with the readers. The author’s ability to take profound concepts and present them in a way that is both engaging and relatable is truly commendable. By intertwining a captivating narrative with actionable steps, the readers are not only able to grasp the ideas being conveyed but also to implement them effectively in their own lives.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is the use of accessible language. Rather than drowning the reader in complicated jargon and convoluted explanations, the author has managed to simplify complex topics, making them more relatable to a wider audience. This skillful use of language allows readers from all walks of life to connect with the material on a deeper level and apply the teachings to their everyday experiences.

Moreover, the inclusion of practical exercises and strategies adds a layer of depth to the book. The readers are not merely spectators but active participants in their own transformation journey. Through these exercises, they are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, explore new perspectives, and engage with the teachings in a meaningful way. This hands-on approach makes the book more than just a collection of theoretical concepts—it becomes a practical guide for personal growth and self-improvement.

In a world where personal development books can often feel overwhelming or detached from reality, this book stands out by offering a unique blend of inspiration and practicality. It empowers readers to not only understand the principles discussed but also to take action and make positive changes in their lives. Whether you are a seasoned self-help enthusiast or a beginner on the path of personal growth, this book has something valuable to offer. So dive in, embrace the parables, and embark on a transformative journey that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

Favorite quotes from the book:

“Focus on what you can control: your attitude, your daily habits – diet, exercise, etc. Keep them healthy”

“Gratitude is a total game-changer”

“Letting go as an actual ritual also can be a powerful experience”

[Reading Our Shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: https://readingourshelves.wordpress.c...

The author here is an Italian American single mom with East Coast roots and a major in psychology. She starts this story in 2020, when she hits rock bottom. One of her issues is that she’s in California, and can’t go to her dad’s deathbed because of the pandemic. Being stuck at home, she initially drowns her sorrows in booze. But, having a love for psychology and related books, anyway, she digs herself out of “rock bottom” and starts climbing back upward.

She then proceeds through eight chapters – broken into smaller chunks within – of how everyone can get back on track after being in a bad state (emotionally), and she peppers it with stories from her own experiences. She also peppers it with tons of quotes, stats, and ideas from other books and authors.

Some of the topics within include how we can “retrain” our brains to focus on the positive, being grateful, having goals and a vision, working on our EQ more than our IQ, leaning more on actual social supports than social media, taking better care of our bodies, and more. Basically, she encourages us to build back better in mind, body, and soul.

Each chapter also ends with a “Happiness Check,” which has three potential goals for the reader to try out: on easy one, one a little harder, and one “double dog dare ya” goal.

This is a book I’d like to highlight, and send specific quotes to different people (and myself) – but of course, it’s bad form to quote an advanced reader copy. I will leave you with one concept, from very early on in the book, that floored me, though: the idea that only 10% of our happiness is really from outside factors. 50% is genetic disposition, and the other 40% comes from our intentional activities. That last part is where all the ideas and activities mentioned in the book really come into play, as they are things we can do for ourselves to help ourselves!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to She Writes Press and the Goodreads Giveaways for my having received a copy of Happy AF!

I have gone back and forth about how I would rate Happy AF several times now. Much in Happy AF, aside from what the author shares regarding her life experiences and personal views, seems like it’s common knowledge or otherwise easily unearthed. (While the back-cover copy states the body of the text is “[d]rawing heavily from neuroscience, positive psychology, and behavioral science,” and this claim is technically true, that is mostly the case insofar as the pieces of advice are backed by research cited in the endnotes.) On the other hand, I certainly think it’s far better to purvey the tried and true in lieu of outlandish, unfounded claims for the sake of novelty.

So what my thoughts and feelings regarding this work ultimately boil down to is that Happy AF is a good read for an individual seeking a voicey compendium of relatively easy, implementable mood-improving practices. (The tagline is, after all, offering “simple strategies.”) If one is not serious about integrating the various stretches, challenges, and double-dog dare yas into one’s routine and daily life, I don’t think this individual would get a great deal out of this read. If one is serious about such things, I think one stands to benefit from this read, and since that is the stated aim of the project, I have a favorable view of it in that context.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Small blurbs to keep your happiness high.

"In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself." - Deepak Chopra
You often have to go through similar stages to death & dying: denial, anger, bargaining, depression before the stage of acceptance- which is the springboard to freedom.

Monitoring my husband or constantly checking his call log was an absolute exercise in futility. I thought I had control over the situation when, in fact, it was controlling me...nay, consuming me. Being an internet and smartphone sleuth became my side hustle - an exhausting one at that. I couldn't control what he did - or who he did, for that matter. Letting go of that relationship took more than one do-si-do through those stages of grief, but on the other side of acceptance was exhilarating freedom. Keep an "Oh-Hell-No" litmus test handy. You have to imagine what my advice would be in either of my kids were ever in similar situations as young adults. If Oh-Hell-No comes immediately to mind, then its not okay for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we step out of the comfort zone, we pass through the fear and learning zones until we finally reach the growth zone.

purpose, dreams, actualization.

Buried in the ground are businesses that were never formed, songs that were never sung, books that were never written, potential that was never realized, and dreams that never came to pass. How sad is that?

[Books With Aartika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Happy AF" by Beth Romero is a captivating guide to happiness, seamlessly blending neuroscience, positive psychology, and behavioral science into actionable strategies.

Romero, a self-proclaimed happiness junkie, delivers a life-affirming parable enriched with practical exercises grounded in clinical research. The book, akin to a heart-to-heart with a supportive friend, unveils the art of letting go, effective methods to transform negative thoughts, and the significance of goals and purpose in achieving greatness.

Romero delves into the scientific correlation between sleep, morning routines, diet, and exercise, emphasizing their impact on mental well-being. Readers are encouraged to embrace gratitude and grace as integral components of their happiness journey. With accessible language and relatable insights,

"Happy AF" empowers readers to choose happiness and unlock their full potential, much like finding the power within-reminiscent of Dorothy and her ruby slippers. Prepare to step into your happy place with this comprehensive roadmap.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @BookSparks and @bethromeroauthor1 for the gifted copy.

“Rock bottom will teach you lessons that mountain tops never will.” 🙌🏻

If you are in need a of little pick me up to help you live a happier, less stressful, and more fulfilling life, then look no further. Reading this book felt like having a conversation with an old and very supportive friend. I got a real feel for the author’s personality as it oozed off of the pages. I think I would like her. A lot.

Sprinkled throughout the book are some amazing quotes about life, happiness, and the importance of priorities. There are bullet points that list off ways to help you accomplish the chapter topic.

Life is hard, man. It is. But if we send positivity out into the world and make sure that we always remain grateful and keep our priorities straight, we can accomplish great things. And this book could be instrumental in helping you do that.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find much that was new in this. All the usual strategies to feel happier were discussed, including gratitude journals, improving your resilience, affirmations and meditation. However, Beth Romero did relate exactly how these techniques helped her during the dark days of the pandemic when she went through an awful time, and grieved her father's death. I felt that it actually assisted me more than most self-help books, though, because she was just so enthusiastic, and the book didn't involve a whole lot of writing about your personality traits, and your values, etc. It is a good book to read, and I should think that it would be especially useful if you are going through hard times.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781647425890
PRICE $17.95 (USD)
PAGES 288

[Tam W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew by the title that I would need this book- and I was right. I "double-dog-dare-you" to read it. You will encounter many fun pop culture references sprinkled throughout the pages that are lol moments. As well as the serious subject matter in dealing with of the loss of a parent. I have learned so much and am so impressed with the constructive recommendations and motivational strategies (backed by clinical data) to get "unstuck". They help you analyze your life in a healthy way about where you are currently, and where you want to go from here. I am now in the process of looking at things in a much more positive way and feeling better for it. I will definitely read this book multiple times throughout my years to help keep my thoughts and actions in the right place. I love the wit, vulnerability and relatability of this author- an awesome read. Well done Ms. Romero!

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the Audiobook version which was unabridged.

Despite a few small errors that an editor absolutely should have caught such as erroneously stating that humans exhale Carbon Monoxide (should be Dioxide) and that Nuclear reactors work through explosions, the rest of the book was very good.

If you’ve read this type of book before you’ll still likely pick up some interesting ways of dealing with things. If you haven’t, you’ll likely pick up a lot.

Also the book contains many quotes which had a Michael Scott Office type of vibe to them. The author would read the quote, who the original person who wrote it was and then continue on. The quotes were all relevant to the material from what I recall but it did throw off the flow of the audiobook at some points.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!! I really felt like it offered a wealth of knowledge that were the exact keys to the kingdom of happiness I had been missing. I mean…I do tend to lose my keys often, so (for once) it was nice to have someone just gently hand them back to me!

Truly, I really liked the way this book was organized and outlined - with actionable plans and inspirational reminders - and I feel like it will be a great tool for many, many people to also become happy AF…or, at very last, a little happier.

[Nadya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this breezy and relatable book. Romero really seems to pour her honest and kind heart, razor-sharp wit, and very smart brain onto and into every page. Once the author expounds on any given happiness topic, she effortlessly glides from to a “don’t just take my word for it, here’s some science to back it up” message, to a “try it, you may like it” dare, and then closes with a “here’s a quote from someone famous you might admire” ending. It’s oftentimes a magnificently effective approach. Five stars!

[Penny lurkykitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy AF is a memoir of how the author hit rock bottom during the pandemic and how she found her way back to happiness. It also presents meticulously researched strategies for getting unstuck and improving your life. Happy AF feels like a conversation with a friend. Romero is non-judgmental, honest, witty, relatable and encouraging. Her advice is simple and actionable. I enjoyed the inspiring quotes that were sprinkled throughout the book. Happy AF is a fun, enjoyable and helpful book.
Thank you to BookSparks for a gifted copy. @BookSparks @bethromeroauthor1 #HappyAF #FRC2023PopUp

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 60%. I appreciated the bite sized chapters, the thoughtful advice on intentionally pursuing happiness, and the ways that happiness can show up even in the hardest of times. The only thing that held the book back for me is that it lacked sensitivity for the complexity of neurodivergence (ie autists like myself quite literally can’t escape our black and white thinking 😉). Thank you to She Writes Press, BookSparks, and the author for the advance copy.

[Sharon Naylor Toris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this very much! Especially during the darker, more emotionally draining months we're in, it helps to have a reliable guide that gives you action steps for righting your course, mindset recharge and reset, and the feeling of being helped by another person (which is part of what many people are looking for right now...they just want someone to give them some answers. There's an uplifting energy to this book, which I recommend.

[Angela Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned long ago that happiness doesn’t just appear one day…happiness takes work! Happy AF is witty and smart read that reminds me of just that. This author takes you on her journey of hitting emotional rock bottom and finding her way back. She reminds us that “falling apart actually allows everything to fall together in a new way—a better way.” She offers specific strategies at the end of each chapter to keep you “rooted in happiness.” An enjoyable and insightful read.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read self help or nonfiction in general but I think everyone has days where they feel down in the dumps or just need a pick me up mindset to start things fresh. I loved with inclusion of research in this book in addition to applied tips for when you need to reset your mind and approach a crummy day in a new way. There's talk of goals, routines, letting go, gratitude and so so much more~!

[Jessica Anne ❤️‍🔥 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very mind opening book. It’s hard to judge now someone else finds their happiness and how they process life's struggles. More than anything else this book lets the reader know they are not alone, especially in this new post covid world. Some parts felt jumbled but its straight from ones mind and heart so jumbled can feel right. -

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Refreshing, motivating, and encouraging—HAPPY AF is a reliable companion that meets readers where they are, gently shepherding perspective and experience from ordinary to extraordinary in a beautiful, honest, and witty way." — Laurie Buchanan, author of Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Romero's approach to finding happiness in the everyday. It was a quick read full of tips on how to switch your thinking from negative to positive and much more! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars!

[Michelle Ogden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy AF by Beth Romero delves into the author’s experience with depression during the pandemic and how she came out of it to find happiness. Based upon techniques that are backed by research the book is full of tips for those seek to change their pessimistic outlook and choose happiness.

[Gi V · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for the research, but I did not enjoy this book. I didn't like the defeatist "I know, I know [audible eye roll] sounds crazy but give it a try!" commentary on almost all suggestions. I should stick to inspiring bibliographies and skirt past the self-help aisle.

[Sean Face · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont like giving bad reviews to books about positivity and trying to better oneself but this was a rough one for me to get through. I did the audio book version and found it very difficult to get through.

[Jennifer Frankito · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great! I felt it was like my best friend talking to me. I bought a bunch of copies to give away as holiday gifts as we all could use more happiness in our lives.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Great snippets and solid science.