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The Calm Workbook: A Guide to Greater Serenity
A therapeutic and consoling workbook with exercises to soothe anxiety and create a state of calm.
Most of us long to be a little calmer: too many of our days are lost to agitation and worry, stress and discord. Yet we know that we are at our best when we can manage not to panic and take challenges in our stride.
Fortunately, a calm state of mind is not a divine gift. Even those of us starting from a more agitated position can systematically understand and lay claim to it. Too many books on this subject simply explain what it would be like to be calm. This is a workbook that takes us through the practical steps required to actually become calm. It is filled with exercises and prompts that deliver the self-understanding and self-compassion on which true serenity depends. Furthermore, the book invites us to build calming routines into our daily lives so that what we learn can stick with us and change us for the long term.
Based on years of The School of Life’s work in the area of anxiety and calm, this is a landmark workbook guaranteed to bring about the calmer state of mind we long for and deserve.
Most of us long to be a little calmer: too many of our days are lost to agitation and worry, stress and discord. Yet we know that we are at our best when we can manage not to panic and take challenges in our stride.
Fortunately, a calm state of mind is not a divine gift. Even those of us starting from a more agitated position can systematically understand and lay claim to it. Too many books on this subject simply explain what it would be like to be calm. This is a workbook that takes us through the practical steps required to actually become calm. It is filled with exercises and prompts that deliver the self-understanding and self-compassion on which true serenity depends. Furthermore, the book invites us to build calming routines into our daily lives so that what we learn can stick with us and change us for the long term.
Based on years of The School of Life’s work in the area of anxiety and calm, this is a landmark workbook guaranteed to bring about the calmer state of mind we long for and deserve.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published December 7, 2021
37 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
The School of Life
174 books3,161 followersThe School of Life is a global organisation helping people lead more fulfilled lives.
We believe that the journey to finding fulfilment begins with self-knowledge. It is only when we have a sense of who we really are that we can make reliable decisions, particularly around love and work.
Sadly, tools and techniques for developing self-knowledge and finding fulfilment are hard to find – they’re not taught in schools, in universities, or in workplaces. Too many of us go through life without ever really understanding what’s going on in the recesses of our minds.
That’s why we created The School of Life; a resource for helping us understand ourselves, for improving our relationships, our careers and our social lives - as well as for helping us find calm and get more out of our leisure hours. We do this through films, workshops, books and gifts - as well as through a warm and supportive community.
We believe that the journey to finding fulfilment begins with self-knowledge. It is only when we have a sense of who we really are that we can make reliable decisions, particularly around love and work.
Sadly, tools and techniques for developing self-knowledge and finding fulfilment are hard to find – they’re not taught in schools, in universities, or in workplaces. Too many of us go through life without ever really understanding what’s going on in the recesses of our minds.
That’s why we created The School of Life; a resource for helping us understand ourselves, for improving our relationships, our careers and our social lives - as well as for helping us find calm and get more out of our leisure hours. We do this through films, workshops, books and gifts - as well as through a warm and supportive community.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 21, 2022
This is the book that turned me from a lifelong Alain de Botton fan into an Alain de Botton skeptic / critic. I bought it two days ago and dug into with great enthusiasm and am now (stoically!) facing the fact that I wrote in it and cannot return.
Advice includes: instead of feeling annoyed with one's children, accept that "children are a lifelong punishment for a few minutes of sentimentality" - a hilarious sentence that I hope no parents are actually taking seriously. I'm hip to the stoicism (more of a Buddhist myself, but we're splitting hairs here) and so on. In the same way, he assumes the blessings of his life are universally human too - "nip over to a couple of countries and run a company," I believe, is an example of how someone may be too busy and need more quiet? - and the banalities: his suggestion of a balanced diet is heavy on "olives, apricots, and coarse bread," a comically specific bit of advice of a totally different tenor than "sleep more."
Botton's unique style just doesn't work here: his persnickety, category-defying, fictiony style as a writer that makes his other polemics wryly wise/amusing, simply doesn't play when framed as authentic advice, free from the heavy irony-quotes that fiction structurally implies. His own troubles would be interesting with the pronoun "I" and as a Knausgaard-style memoir, but he is trying to tell me how to calm *my* anxiety and you, yours, so we are forced to take seriously the idea that he actually wants "misanthropy" to be the solution to suffering, and "an appropriate amount of sadness" to be the solution to anger. Mostly I see a lack of awareness of the human condition of humans who are not successful educated white men like Alain de Botton - one so profound that it is actually deeply funny.
My experience wasn't all bad: I found some good, useful parts, that unsurprisingly are where my own struggles overlap those that the author has faced. For example: I agree with (and appreciated picking up explanatory frameworks from) chapters on white/black thinking, self-criticism, the need to slow down, and appreciating the sublime. And the book itself is quite handsome and makes for a gorgeous coaster and conversation piece (including about its shortcomings). And this is definitely the jaded review of a long-time fan, ironically showing through my disappointment how much the central lesson of expecting-the-worst would have improved my book experience. Perhaps people new to Botton's work will like it - it is probably better than most self-help workbooks (which I would not buy). So I will end up getting my $20's worth in cultural observation instead of in actual self-help, which I guess is a fair enough deal I can (stoically!) accept.
TL;DR: 2 stars. Read this if want to cure yourself of an unsustainably expensive School of Life habit (like I had), or as an introduction to stoicism. If you have to pick an Alain de Botton book to start with, though, this would not be my pick.
Advice includes: instead of feeling annoyed with one's children, accept that "children are a lifelong punishment for a few minutes of sentimentality" - a hilarious sentence that I hope no parents are actually taking seriously. I'm hip to the stoicism (more of a Buddhist myself, but we're splitting hairs here) and so on. In the same way, he assumes the blessings of his life are universally human too - "nip over to a couple of countries and run a company," I believe, is an example of how someone may be too busy and need more quiet? - and the banalities: his suggestion of a balanced diet is heavy on "olives, apricots, and coarse bread," a comically specific bit of advice of a totally different tenor than "sleep more."
Botton's unique style just doesn't work here: his persnickety, category-defying, fictiony style as a writer that makes his other polemics wryly wise/amusing, simply doesn't play when framed as authentic advice, free from the heavy irony-quotes that fiction structurally implies. His own troubles would be interesting with the pronoun "I" and as a Knausgaard-style memoir, but he is trying to tell me how to calm *my* anxiety and you, yours, so we are forced to take seriously the idea that he actually wants "misanthropy" to be the solution to suffering, and "an appropriate amount of sadness" to be the solution to anger. Mostly I see a lack of awareness of the human condition of humans who are not successful educated white men like Alain de Botton - one so profound that it is actually deeply funny.
My experience wasn't all bad: I found some good, useful parts, that unsurprisingly are where my own struggles overlap those that the author has faced. For example: I agree with (and appreciated picking up explanatory frameworks from) chapters on white/black thinking, self-criticism, the need to slow down, and appreciating the sublime. And the book itself is quite handsome and makes for a gorgeous coaster and conversation piece (including about its shortcomings). And this is definitely the jaded review of a long-time fan, ironically showing through my disappointment how much the central lesson of expecting-the-worst would have improved my book experience. Perhaps people new to Botton's work will like it - it is probably better than most self-help workbooks (which I would not buy). So I will end up getting my $20's worth in cultural observation instead of in actual self-help, which I guess is a fair enough deal I can (stoically!) accept.
TL;DR: 2 stars. Read this if want to cure yourself of an unsustainably expensive School of Life habit (like I had), or as an introduction to stoicism. If you have to pick an Alain de Botton book to start with, though, this would not be my pick.
November 4, 2021
In a world of constant stress, tension and frustration, The Calm Workbook invites you to take a step away from the madness and equip yourself with 34 practical activities to return back to a calm state of mind.
As you embark on your journey you’ll commit to a pledge to acknowledge that no life is perfectly serene, and through regular practice, you can manage the trials and tribulations of life more effectively and when things go astray, correct course to a calmer self. From there you’ll deep dive into the 34 practical activities ranging from addressing misguided anger through to embracing global pessimism.
For me, I made this a monthly challenge for myself and worked on one activity per day. On average each activity took about 30-45 minutes to complete and by the end of the month the workbook helped me to dig a little deeper in knowing myself and understanding which strategies work best to bring myself to a calmer state of mind. Activity 10, Global Pessimism is a personal favourite, for embracing the human condition and reframing away from getting worked up over the little things that feel personal.
The School of Life has successfully provided a helpful go-to resource in equipping us with practical activities to help us return to our calm and serene selves in 34 practical activities.
If you're ready to embark on a journey to realign and regain calmness, you find at least one strategy that resonates in The Calm Workbook.
As you embark on your journey you’ll commit to a pledge to acknowledge that no life is perfectly serene, and through regular practice, you can manage the trials and tribulations of life more effectively and when things go astray, correct course to a calmer self. From there you’ll deep dive into the 34 practical activities ranging from addressing misguided anger through to embracing global pessimism.
For me, I made this a monthly challenge for myself and worked on one activity per day. On average each activity took about 30-45 minutes to complete and by the end of the month the workbook helped me to dig a little deeper in knowing myself and understanding which strategies work best to bring myself to a calmer state of mind. Activity 10, Global Pessimism is a personal favourite, for embracing the human condition and reframing away from getting worked up over the little things that feel personal.
The School of Life has successfully provided a helpful go-to resource in equipping us with practical activities to help us return to our calm and serene selves in 34 practical activities.
If you're ready to embark on a journey to realign and regain calmness, you find at least one strategy that resonates in The Calm Workbook.
October 25, 2022
Nothing overly insightful, but still beautiful, probably in its simplicity and wittiness.
Interesting mix of chapters, some definitely better then others.
It is very cool that every chapter is followed by exercises that bring even more insight.
It is a great exercise to do it with a person with whom you are close.
So that you can learn about each other, and it makes it more fun and interesting.
Interesting mix of chapters, some definitely better then others.
It is very cool that every chapter is followed by exercises that bring even more insight.
It is a great exercise to do it with a person with whom you are close.
So that you can learn about each other, and it makes it more fun and interesting.
June 24, 2023
Really enjoyed going through the exercises in here, many of which became great writing prompts for my journal. A load of self insight, some brilliantly put points. The language is very simple & conversational which made it very easy to engage with. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in self development.
January 10, 2023
And yet another School of Life book.
And yet another collection of wisdom and reference to thoughtful life, and decisions, and relationships.
For example
"Appreciating what is to hand isn't a defence of failure; it isn't an attack on ambition. But there is no point in chasing the future until and unless we are attuned to the modest moments and things that are available to us already.
The smallness of a pleasure isn't really an assessment of how much it has to offer us; it is a reflection of how many good things the world unfairly neglects. A small pleasure is a great pleasure in waiting; it is a true source of joy which has not yet received the collective acknowledgement it is due."
The book is full with exercises we can take at any time.
For psychotherapists could even be a good source of ideas for when people ask you "what can I do differently?"
Another one to have close by.
And yet another collection of wisdom and reference to thoughtful life, and decisions, and relationships.
For example
"Appreciating what is to hand isn't a defence of failure; it isn't an attack on ambition. But there is no point in chasing the future until and unless we are attuned to the modest moments and things that are available to us already.
The smallness of a pleasure isn't really an assessment of how much it has to offer us; it is a reflection of how many good things the world unfairly neglects. A small pleasure is a great pleasure in waiting; it is a true source of joy which has not yet received the collective acknowledgement it is due."
The book is full with exercises we can take at any time.
For psychotherapists could even be a good source of ideas for when people ask you "what can I do differently?"
Another one to have close by.
February 26, 2023
The works of Alain de Botton are always formidable, and this one doesn’t disappoint. I highly appreciated the extensive list of insightful exercises, thought-provoking prompts, and practical advice.
If you’re looking for a workbook with a lot of emphasis on self-reflection and self-awareness, this may be for you.
The workbook is organized into four main sections: Mind, Body, Relationships, and Environment. Each section contains a variety of exercises and prompts designed to help readers develop greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to explore different strategies for managing stress and cultivating calm.
Exercises help a lot and can offer extensive insight into our minds, but even just reading the book can make you feel more at peace and connected with yourself. Highly recommended.
If you’re looking for a workbook with a lot of emphasis on self-reflection and self-awareness, this may be for you.
The workbook is organized into four main sections: Mind, Body, Relationships, and Environment. Each section contains a variety of exercises and prompts designed to help readers develop greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to explore different strategies for managing stress and cultivating calm.
Exercises help a lot and can offer extensive insight into our minds, but even just reading the book can make you feel more at peace and connected with yourself. Highly recommended.
June 14, 2022
i've been all over the place for the past few months. haven't we all? and i'm finally feeling ready to make an effort and do something about it. this is a workbook and a guide. i like how philosophical and soothing it is, while also being straightforward and tough in a very The School of Life type of way. if you know - you know! basically, this is therapy in a book form.
September 10, 2021
Love all school of life publications ..
The book has a lot of workouts which I plan to go back to but the sections of the book serve as a great reminder to breathe, contemplate and is quite enjoyable.
The book has a lot of workouts which I plan to go back to but the sections of the book serve as a great reminder to breathe, contemplate and is quite enjoyable.
October 27, 2022
A concise book (with exercises), focusing on different aspects of living in the modern world, from our perceptions of self and others, to how we interact with the world. Somewhat straightforward, but at times compelling and thought-provoking.
August 4, 2022
Review volgt nog. Fijn dat het niet een typisch mindfulness boek is. Praktisch, toepasbaar en grappig. Gaat er bijvoorbeeld van uit dat wij ons als mensen als idioten gedragen.
April 23, 2024
Just reading the first chapter has helped me so much. I love the straightforward humour that is consoling instead of patronising.
May 5, 2024
Amazing book. It's not your typical American self help books about happy happiness and stay always positive mindset. This books takes a different approach by looking at life from the persp3ctive of having small expectations. If you have small exp3ctations, you will less likely to get dissapoint3d. The author also adds another perspective that people should rather consider "good enough" marriage, friendships, work, pay...basically everything. Striving for bigger, better, the best, the one only will make you unhappy.
One of my favorite workbook tasks is to consider that all people around me are idiots (including me!). And what is the point to make yourself look more important for others, if they are idiots anyway :)
One of my favorite workbook tasks is to consider that all people around me are idiots (including me!). And what is the point to make yourself look more important for others, if they are idiots anyway :)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews