Spontaneous Happiness

by Andrew Weil

Everyone wants to be happy. But what does that really mean? Increasingly, scientific evidence shows us that true satisfaction and well-being come only from within.

Dr. Andrew Weil has proven that the best way to maintain optimum physical health is to draw on both conventional and alternative medicine. Now, in Spontaneous Happiness, he gives us the foundation for attaining and sustaining optimum emotional health. Rooted in Dr. Weil's pioneering work in integrative medicine, the book suggests a reinterpretation of the notion of happiness, discusses the limitations of the biomedical model in treating depression, and elaborates on the inseparability of body and mind.

Dr. Weil offers an array of scientifically proven strategies from Eastern and Western psychology to counteract low mood and enhance contentment, comfort, resilience, serenity, and emotional balance. Drawn from psychotherapy, mindfulness training, Buddhist psychology, nutritional science, and more, these strategies include body-oriented therapies to support emotional wellness, techniques for managing stress and anxiety and changing mental habits that keep us stuck in negative patterns, and advice on developing a spiritual dimension in our lives. Lastly, Dr. Weil presents an eight-week program that can be customized according to specific needs, with short- and long-term advice on nutrition, exercise, supplements, environment, lifestyle, and much more.

Whether you are struggling with depression or simply want to feel happier, Dr. Weil's revolutionary approach will shift the paradigm of emotional health and help you achieve greater contentment in your life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Psychology, Spirituality, Audiobook, Personal Development

Audiobook

First published June 28, 2012

About the author

Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing oriented approach to health care that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. He is the author of many scientific and popular articles and of 14 books: The Natural Mind, The Marriage of the Sun and Moon From Chocolate to Morphine (with Winifred Rosen) Health and Healing, Natural Health, Natural Medicine; and the international bestsellers, Spontaneous Healing and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Eating Well for Optimum Health: The Essential Guide to Food, Diet, and Nutrition The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a Better Body, Life, and Spirit (with Rosie Daley) Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being; and Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future (issued in paperback with new content as You Can’t Afford to Get Sick).

Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine, Dr. Weil is Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones Endowed Chair in Integrative Rheumatology and is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health. The Center is the leading effort in the world to develop a comprehensive curriculum in integrative medicine. Graduates serve as directors of integrative medicine programs throughout the United States, and through its Fellowship, the Center is now training doctors and nurse practitioners around the world.

Learn More:
Facebook.com/DrWeil
YouTube.com/DrWeil
Instagram.com/DrWeil
Flickr.com/DrWeil
Pinterest/DrWeil

Reviews

[Stacy Stosich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book at my in-laws home and decided that I needed to finish it. The title makes the book sound like some cheesy pop-psychology book about chasing butterflies of happiness, but it was not that way at all. I was riveted right from the introduction where he writes about a "set point of emotional variability" or "emotional sea level" which is not happiness per se but rather peace and contentment. This is not a book obsessed with the idea that we must all be happy all the time. He suggests that variations in mood are natural and healthy--but that there is a depression epidemic in the world today that indicates the set point of many people is not neutral, but instead depressed.

Dr. Weil is opposed to western medicine's emphasis on the dichotomy between mind and body and on the biomedical model of depression. Yet, Dr. Weil does not suggest that medication should never be used--I found his advice to be refreshingly balanced and highly practical. He also backs much of what he recommends with scientific studies.

He divides his book into body-oriented, mental and spiritual approaches to emotional well-being. Some of the suggestions that I have implemented already or intend to implement are:

1) He makes a lot of dietary recommendations--some are obvious: more fruits/veggies etc. But some are not so obvious. I have increased my intake of fish oil, (his most emphasized supplement recommendation) and I intended to obtain turmeric with piperine (black pepper extract). He also emphasizes vitamin D supplementation. This summer a spent of lot of time in the sun, but come winter, this may be something to consider.
2) He also points out that exposure to dirt (soil bacteria) can not only help our immune systems but a neuroscientist, Christopher Lowry, concluded that exposure to this bacteria "had the same effect as antidepressant drugs." Interesting! Maybe this will motivate me to tend to my garden a bit more...

Over all this book was not only practical, but also highly readable.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of common sense and stuff I’m already practicing or know to do, plus a few things I've been meaning to do and really, really should. Book is good for people who haven’t tried any of it before. Nice practical tips, and I liked that the doctor was holistic in approach (including how antidepressants and other Rx might fit in - I think a lot of these self-help books forget that readers are people with full medical histories the authors know nothing about).

Someone on Goodreads recommended this to me. Thank you!

[Roni Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any of you that fall into the black funks -- what I call my dips into depression -- like I do, "Spontaneous Happiness" is a godsend. In fact, the book is as much about fighting off depression as it is about courting happiness. I will admit at times it's a tough read, with lots of psychological lingo, and I've been plowing away for several weeks to finish it, but the results I'm getting in feeling less funk and more happy make the effort well worthwhile.
First, let me say that none of the information in this book is mind-blowing new stuff and some of it is just common sense. But Dr. Weil doesn't take old concepts and simply repackage them with cutesy names, like "Harvesting Your Happiness Habits." I hate books that do that. What he does do is boil down tons of research on what makes people happy and what makes them depressed, puts it in terms average folk can relate to (for the most part), and then gives a comprehensive approach to finding more of your own "spontaneous" (meaning coming from within yourself rather than due to some external cause) happiness, and without gimmicks or prescriptions.*
Second, even though I knew a lot of this information, I learned a lot too. For instance, I had no idea that antihistamines can trigger depression. When my last black funk started, I had been taking double doses of my allergy medication all day long because Missouri has been having a hellacious allergy season already. One of the scariest parts of feeling depression come on for me was not knowing what triggered it. That left me feeling helpless. I cannot stop taking my allergy meds, unless I want asthmatic bronchitis again -- no thanks! -- but at least I am more aware of how my meds are affecting my mood and trying to take the least amount that offers relief. Dr. Weil also offers tips about a lot of other meds, prescription and over-the-counter, that can cause depression and/or anxiety. Coffee is another depressed mood trigger for some people, from the highs and lows caffeine brings. I love coffee, would sip it all day long to keep me "up," and didn't think it affected me at all. But since I've cut back or switched to tea in the morning, I have been more mellow and focused, not so anxious and negative. I also learned about a supplement called SAMe, that can be a mood enhancer like St. John's Wort. I can't take St. John's Wort because of contraindications when taking birth control pills -- and believe me, nothing would make me more depressed than getting pregnant at my age, which I'll just say is over 45, so I'm not quitting my pills -- so knowing SAMe is an alternative is good news in case I have a black funk attack I just can't shake.
"Spontaneous Happiness" also gave me a much needed refresher on doing simple things I know are good for me but I've forgotten about. Or got too lazy to do, more likely. So I've started meditating again, seeking out nature more (when the pollen isn't attacking me), intentionally looking for beauty in my world, and trying to smile even if I don't feel like it. He cites a study where subjects that smiled actually saw more humor in the activity they were made to do than the people who made a neutral or frowning face. I believe it -- when I smile, my mind feels less troubled (and a bonus, my wrinkles show less!). Plus people are a heck of a lot nicer to me when I smile at them, which doesn't suck since I work in public service and encounter a lot of cranky people. I'm also picking a mantra every day before work, something like "breeze" or "aloha" that's fun to say. Then when I start getting stressed and my "negative Nellie" mind starts chattering that I hate my job or want to kill someone (figuratively speaking, of course), I repeat my mantra until I settle down. And it works!
There's a ton more information in the book, everything from using gratitude to the healing effects of light therapy, everything from the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to herbal remedies. Plus he offers "An 8-Week Program for Optimum Emotional Well-Being" and appendices with specific details on diet and lifestyle changes to make a getting-happier plan easier to manage.
"Spontaneous Happiness" has made a difference for me. I'm not deluded to think I'll never have another black funk, but now I've got more options than staying in bed and ignoring the world to relieve it. Give it a read. Maybe it will help you as well.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous book. Written by a medical doctor and an integrative medicine specialist, this is a book about tending mind, body and spirit. It includes information such as the best foods to eat, how to incorporate exercise, supplements you need to take because your diet won't include them, I could go on and on. The audio book, read by the author, also highly recommended.

Dr. Weil has a very positive, not preachy, not dictatorial, just open way of explaining things and making suggestions. He is an open spirit, I don't know how else to say that. Just hearing his voice brings me peace. So much knowledge, and he really knows how to get the point across without belaboring it. At the end of the book he shares an 8-week program in which he helps you address various issues in a prioritized manner, to increase emotional wellness.

A great idea for a Christmas gift!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I received this free book when I downloaded the Kindle app for iPad. I can't say I will read another book via this route...I still prefer my paper books, but I did enjoy this one.

It is a great book about emotional and physical health, with an 8 week program for emotional wellbeing. It suggests simple things you can do to create more contentment in your life such as getting outdoors, bringing flowers into your home, incorporating meditation and exercise into your routine, and eating an anti inflammatory diet, along with supplement suggestions.

I have followed Andrew Weil for years and value his opinion when making choices for my own health and wellbeing.

[... · Rating 4 out of 5]

قرأت النسخة العربية من الكتاب وعنوانه السعادة الفورية وما اعلم سبب عدم توفر صفحة للكتاب هنا..الكتاب متوفر بمكتبة جرير وقيمته 40 ريال

ما اميل ابدا لكتب التنمية الذاتية والتحفيز وانفر منها ومن عنوانينها الكاذبة والغبية:كيف تصبح غنيا في 10 ايام او كيف تزيد من ذاكرتك وقوة حفظك في اسبوع!!!

لذلك حصلت هذا الكتاب بالصدفة واشتريته فقط لاكمل مجموعة الكتب لكن مااجملها من صدفة..حبيت قرائته وكانه يملأ ثغرات وتساؤلات كثيرة في نفسي من وقت طويل

الكاتب يحاول عرض تجربته النفسية والعملية في الوصول للصحة العاطفية..صحة الجسد وراحة العقل والسكينة..الرضا عن النفس

اسلوب الكاتب جميل والفصول تنقسم مابين عرض لتجربته وطريقة لممارسة الصحة العاطفية المثلى..واشيد بترجمة الكتاب السهلة والمبسطة لمواضيع عميقة مثل موضوع الكتاب

[Tony G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed Dr. Andrew Weil's work since reading "The Natural Mind," recommended to me by a friend during my hippy-dippy college days. His later books, "Spontaneous Healing" and "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health," in which he advocates an "integrative" approach to health, were a big influence - although I admit not fully adhering to the guidelines and recommendations contained therein.

Something about Weil's methodical and exacting approach to health and diet, juxtaposed with his openness to new ideas and approaches, has always appealed to me. Here was a Harvard trained physician who didn't always tow the company line, who broke the rules when he saw fit without venturing into the realm of absurdity, and felt it permissible to talk about spirituality in a medical context.

In his latest book, "Spontaneous Happiness," Weil addresses a subject more ephemeral than physical health but just as important - human happiness. Weil makes no attempt to define happiness other than to say that humans are not designed to experience it on a continuous, uninterrupted basis. Instead, Weil says, a more realistic goal is what he calls contentment, peace and comfort. This state, he claims, can be achieved by applying the same integrative principles he recommends for attaining physical well-being.

Weil tells us we can adjust our emotional "set point" to achieve greater levels of well-being, with happiness emerging occasionally in a spontaneous and unpredictable way. And we can become more resilient so that we return to the oasis of contentment, peace and comfort after only a brief detour into the desert of painful emotions. This condition he calls "emotional health," a concept that the psychotherapeutic intelligentsia may or not believe is possible or even desirable. But for those of us who want to feel better, Weil offers a plan described in his usual thoroughly researched and methodically presented manner. It encompasses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions of human life, backed by scientific research, much of it previously cited in earlier works on happiness.

Fundamental to his notion of well-being is the understanding that humans have the capacity to experience feelings of contentment despite adverse external events and circumstances. In fact, Weil recommends that we not tether our emotional well-being to the shifting sands of fate and circumstance. This resonated for me, as I have long felt that I have within me the ability to experience a basic sense of well-being regardless of life's ups and downs. I have somehow lost contact with that fundamental capacity owing to the routines, stresses and strains of adult living.

Weil's methods for achieving emotional independence involve a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness training and increased physical and emotional intimacy. To that end, he offers an 8-week program for achieving emotional health, which I have started following. While it's too early to tell how well Weil's approach works, I have found that one of his main recommendations has made a game-changing difference in my overall levels of contentment - aerobic exercise. The first time I exercised after a long hiatus, I felt a giddy kind of euphoria I hadn't felt in a long time. I have been exercising regularly since with a remarkable effect on my well-being.

I plan to continue implementing Weil's recommendations, using them as a kind of blueprint for reinventing my life with peace, contentment and comfort in mind. With Weil's help, I hope to regain my inner capacity for well-being and eventually experience a little spontaneous happiness along the way.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version, which was impressively narrated by Dr. Weil himself. I particularly enjoyed the first and last sections of the book. The first section discussed the notion of happiness in the West and how a solely biomedical model may be insufficient in addressing the rise in depression rates we face in the West. The latter section suggested some simple, straightforward techniques that can be used in conjunction with Western methods to produce a greater sense of "comfort, serenity, and contentment."

I feared some of his techniques might come off as bogus or pseudo-scientific for those who are only familiar with the Western model, yet fortunately Dr. Weil cites a good amount of scientific literature, research studies, and patient case studies to back up his advice. He also doesn't attempt to present this methodology as a replacement for the methods some of us may be using already, but rather as an integrative approach worth trying for those who have not found success elsewhere.

That being said, I didn't care much for the middle section, which talked about herbal remedies for depression. I fear the research on this is still spotty to date. He does acknowledge this point and notes that he only recommends trying the herbal supplements for those with depression.

Though I appreciated Dr. Weil's narration for the audiobook, I found it both ironic and humorous he didn't sound at all thrilled, or 'happy' for that matter during his presentation here.

[Amy Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend told me about this book, and I was definitely skeptical - I mean, look at the guy on the cover! He looks like a beaming, Buddist teddy bear! I was sure this book would be just another new-age, Buddist-y book about meditation and the like, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a well-researched book of medical advice. Turns out, teddy-bear-Weil is a doctor who at one point in college had B. F. Skinner as his advisor at Harvard! Crazy, right?

I didn't realize when I started reading this book, but it's aimed at people dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress. He discusses why depression and anxiety have increased in modern times, and shares ways to improve happiness through fitness, sunlight, decreasing inflammation, as well as vitamins and herbs. It was a lot of things I'd heard before, but I found it useful to have them all organized in one place (and with research to help me stop making excuses). The supplement recommendations are especially useful, as he goes into incredible detail on dosage and selection.

Basically, this book is a collection of everything you need to improve your happiness, all written with Weil's underlying love and compassion for all things. If you have periods where you feel down or anxious, you should read this book.

[Carolyn Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seldom read what I think of as self-help books, but I heard an interview on NPR and was intrigued both by his thoughts on happiness, emotional well-being, our expectations, and the prevalence of pills to "solve" the problem - any problem. I was also interested in the anti-inflammatory diet.

I got what I hoped from the book, and more, but I have to admit that, no matter what Weil suggests, no way am I giving up that one cup of coffee I drink every morning.

[Illiterate · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fairly useful addition to medicalized healthcare.

[Mike W · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, Dr Weil offers some useful advice. He emphasizes the importance of exercise as well as omega-3 and vitamin D and recommends supplements for these. He also highlights recent advances in neuroscience concerning the plasticity of thinking and the ways in which our behavior and thinking can modify our brain structure and function, which can in turn affect our moods and well-being.

But some of its advice is hokey. For example, I doubt whether busy people will want to maintain a "gratitude journal" for any length of time. It seems likely that the feeling of gratitude is an important part of a healthy life, but formalizing it in such an artificial and even silly way will not appeal to many readers.

And Dr. Weil's philosophical outlook has serious flaws. He subscribes to what he calls a "secular spirituality", which seems to this reviewer pretty close to a contradiction in terms. On the one hand, he scathingly rejects reductionist materialism, but on the other, he seems skeptical about religion and does to seem to believe in any realm or being outside of the material world. This kind of "spiritual" atheism is not a serous or tenable philosophical position. But it seems to appeal to people who want to feel the comfort of believing in religion, without having to deal with any of the deep philosophical questions that naturally arise from such a belief.

That said, I think people who follow Weil's advice on diet, exercise and supplements will experience an improvement in health.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first section of this book extremely helpful. Many other books on happiness that I've read have left me feelling deficient because I haven't found the discipline to be happier all the time. His discussion of contentment vs. happiness and experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions and then coming back to "emotional sea-level" was very helpful for me. The rest of the book then was about ways to increase your own set point for emotional sea-level and make yourself more confident to really experience the emotional variations with less judgement.

I am not realy comfortable with the health empire he has set up around himself - snake oil, hucksterism, etc. - and I would be quite hesitant to take many of the supplements he discusses in the book (except fish oil, Vit D, and perhaps B vitamins - which my MD has also recommended,) BUT I do think that most of the advice here is good and risk free. I am inspired to make a few more changes on my path to more emotional contentment!

[Beth666ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Integrative health guy talks about how to fight depression through a whole-health integrated lifestyle instead of relying solely on pills. He addresses lifestyle, eating, negative thought patterns, meditation, exercise, and spirituality. He's in some senses adapting his entire anti-inflammatory diet and philosophy of health to mental health. He's very careful to define major depressive disorders versus dysthymia and does not advocate simply dropping treatment or antidepressants, but he makes a great case that we could all be much happier--and perhaps handle depression better--if we viewed emotional health (and health and general) as something we can affect and care for through a variety of methods.

[... · Rating 4 out of 5]

أعتقد انه كتاب مهم لمكتبة القارىء مهما كان اهتمامه,سبق وكتبت مراجعة في النسخة الأصلية في الرابط,قراءة موفقة للكلhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been an Andrew Weil fan since the 1980's. He is considered one of the founders of the Integrative Medicine movement. He brings his experience in these areas to assist people who experience depression and anxiety. He talks about dealing with his own depression and what has worked for him. He is not a believer in anti-depressants…and this is one of the areas that I find that I have reservations about his opinion. He does say that some people need them and if you need them, you need them. As a counselor, I have the view that if you need anti-depressants, they are great at taking the edge off of your depression…and anxiety…so that you can work on yourself…and, when you are ready, lowering your use of them - but - if you need them, you need them and I want people to feel good about the choice of using them if they work for them. Many of the eastern and western psychological strategies that he provides in this book are concepts I introduce to my clients. I like that he is working to improve contentment, comfort, resilience, serenity and emotional balance. Like many self-help books, I say read it and if there is one thing that you can take from the book and integrate into your life…you will be better for it. As always, he gives strategies in the areas of the mind, body and spirit and lays out an eight week plan for you to optimize your emotional well-being. This is not a fast read…if you are to get something out of it. It's worth reading about his breathing exercise..which you can probably get off of his web site…that alone will take you far in feeling calmer and more centered.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone wishing to improve their emotional well-being, increase their happiness set point, and learn simple tools to support their emotional health.

"Spontaneous Happiness" focuses on self-care for depression and anxiety using methods other than traditional Western medicine's prescription drug fixes, though it really can be applied to maintaining or improving emotional health in general. It's organized very simply and is well-structured to not be overwhelming. It provides information that's both understandable and easy to reference. (For reference purposes, the book rather than the audiobook is preferred.)

The first part, which provides the theory and background for Dr. Weil's suggestions, is interesting and important to hear in order to understand how and why the mind/body/spiritual methods work. It does get a bit technical at times though.

Part two is the bulk of the book and clearly lays out the methods and explains each thoroughly, but isn't overwhelming. It's broken up into chapters for body, mind, and spiritual/emotional well-being. Part three takes the methods in part two and suggests an 8 week program.

The audiobook version was well produced and well read. The author reads the book and is very enjoyable and easy to listen to. As Dr. Weil references his own experiences with depression throughout the book, hearing him tell his story makes it that much more personal and powerful.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone on disability for depression and now fibromyalgia for over a decade, I felt I needed some new answers. I have always admired Dr. Andrew Weil so when my friend told me she liked it, I thought I ought to give it a try.

Kindle and their whispersynched Audible co-play helped me get through the techno-speak. Kindle's ability to fast forward Dr. Weil's slower speaking speed, helped this to be a fast and educational read. By the way, that was a hint my husband pointed out to me. That on smart phones, tablets and Fires one can speed up the narrator's voice and not lose quality. It's like the person is speaking faster, not higher like a chipmunk.

I can see that the paperback or hardback book would have its points as one could highlight or check back on references later, still, I like this version for the first run-through. That way I got the gist of what it was all about in a quick over-read. I will go back and take notes and try to follow many of the suggestions presented in this book. Meanwhile, I will try a couple ideas that stayed with me and see how they help with the mental and physical pain.

This book is well worth the read, and further study.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for anyone looking to do either of two things: begin a strong self-care program for bettering their mental health, or to supplement an existing strategy for mental health.

As someone who semi-regularly goes through depression and anxiety, and who went through a difficult period of post-partum depression, I found Dr. Weil's techniques and writings to be extremely approachable. Those who are already familiar with his methods of integrative medicine will appreciate the continuous advancements in striking a balance between the familiar Western schools of thought, and the less-familiar schools of Eastern medicine.

I encourage anyone who wants to delve into a whole-human approach to their medical and self care to give this book a shot. If you are interested in thinking differently about your own happiness, this is a book which is absolutely worth your time. The audio-book is narrated by Dr. Weil, and he does a great job of it -- added bonus!

[Yvensong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

4 1/2 Stars

This book is not about a continuing state of happiness. It is about emotional balance and wellness, which consists of happiness, contentment, sadness and even periods of depression.

Dr. Weil cites several different branches of research, with referrals to different sources for further reading, regarding depression and some of the possible causes. He, then, discusses the many methods that someone could use to improve their chances of improved emotional balance. Besides citing scientific research, he also discusses some of the things he has used to improve his own emotional health.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in finding more emotional balance in their life and wish to examine several aspects that may be affecting that balance such as diet, media, and lack of nature.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad book club "forced" me to read this. :) Dr. Weil's philosophy embraces integrative medicine to treat depression and unhappiness, rather than going straight for the throat and taking medication, which he believes should be reserved for the most severe cases. Integrative medicine is his "biopsychosocialspiritual" model - I know, biowhaaaat??? It makes sense though. Weil believes lots of factors add up to our mental state - exercise, relationships and touch, spiritual health, eating the right foods with supplements such as omega-3s and and Vitamin D, even the kind of noise we hear every day. Basically, Weil says that "spontaneous" happiness comes from within - we cannot rely on outside factors for happiness (i.e. - I'll be happy when I get a raise, I'll be happy when I get this or that, etc.). I agree.

[Sam Torode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading portions of this. It's a good one...

"I wonder which changes in particular might account for the dramatic increase of depression in the past twenty years.... Not only do we suffer from nature deficit, but we are also experiencing information surfeit. Many people today spend much of their waking time surfing the Internet, texting and talking on mobile phones, attending to e-mail, watching television, and being stimulated by other new media--all experiences that were unavailable until recently. I believe that all this stimulation, unprecedented in both kind and amount, is a major challenge to emotional well-being and likely a significant factor in the current epidemic of depression."

[Rebecca Bernzweig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book - sort of wish the title were different, as it makes you think he's spouting an easy solution. But if you know Dr. Weil you know that's not what he's about. The idea of emotional sea level is really thought-provoking and very down to earth. I love how he broke the chapters into physical, mental and spiritual well-being, as I am examining all three in my life right now. Great book for someone who struggles with relatively mild but sometimes intrusive depression. This teaches about taking it into your own hands and recognizing that there are many ways of caring for yourself and you have the power to do so. That in itself makes me feel better.

[Louise Silk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an in-depth look at everything we need to maintain happiness, diet, exercise, mood, lifestyle, emotion, and spirit. Disregard the title- it is not spontaneous. At the end of the book is a 6-week program to integrate all of the information- also not spontaneous.

If you have read any of Dr. Weil's books or any of the other health/diet books on the market today, you won't find anything new or exciting in this one.

If you are new to the idea of integrated healthy life style that includes body, mind and spirit in a slow methodical method, this is a great book.

[Carrie Comfy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, simple tips for those who may have occasional bouts of depression or anxiety. The beginning of the book discusses ways to combat depression and the science/research about it along with personal testimonies.
The book finishes with a plan for you to follow and how to get started on your own journey to becoming happier.

[M Aghazarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my review of Weil books can be copied and pasted across all of them, haha. Learned some things, some information is outdated/needs updating. The parts that focused on medical history are always interesting to me, and I'm interested in reading more about the history of antidepressants, especially as compared in trials with placebos.

[Jen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Andrews advice about being happy. So much good stuff in here I don't know where to start applying the stuff. I think I need to read it again, slowly this time. I like the scientific aspect as well as the personal experiences referenced.

[Sal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say, I am a sucker for Dr. Weil's self-help philosophy. I find 3/4 of it relevant and practical and the stuff I don't care for is easy to ignore. I always put down his books inspired to lead a healthier, happier life. I guess that's all I can ask for from them.

[Adrian Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. I enjoyed hearing about the different vitamins and the benefits that it can have with depressive symptoms. Also, to just hear about various skills that can be helpful and how it affects the body.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second reading found this book much more helpful than the first. Highly recommended.