How to Calm Your Mind

Finding Presence and Productivity in Anxious Times

By: Chris Bailey

Narrated by: Chris Bailey

From the author of Hyperfocus, a treasure trove of practical, science-backed strategies that reveal how the key to a less anxious life, and even greater productivity, is a calm state of mind

“After rebounding from his own burnout, Bailey devised a clear-eyed, concise method that marries science and self-help; he’s equally proficient in probing the roles of serotonin and endorphins while charting concrete steps in chapters titled ‘The Mindset of More’ and ‘Heights of Stimulation.’ Slow down, breathe, and submerge into these pages.” —Oprah Daily


A PENGUIN LIFE BOOK

It took an on-stage panic attack for productivity expert Chris Bailey to recognize how critical it is to invest in calm at the same time that we invest in becoming more productive. Productivity advice works—and we need it now more than ever—but it’s just as vital that we develop our capacity for calm. By finding calm and overcoming anxiety, we don’t just feel more comfortable in our own mind—we build a deeper, more expansive reservoir of energy to draw from throughout the day. The pursuit of calm ultimately leads us to become more engaged, focused, and deliberate—while making us more satisfied with our lives. And because calm saves us time by making us more productive, we don’t even need to feel guilty about the time we spend investing in it.

How to Calm Your Mind is our crucial guide to achieving calm, navigating anxiety, and staving off burnout. It explains how our digital world drains us, and what we can do to abate the hidden sources of stress that burden our days. Bailey has learned to embrace the analog world and “stimulation fasts,” to use the science of “savoring” to become more focused and present, and to relax without guilt—and he shows us how we can reclaim calm, too. In an anxious world, investing in calm might be the best productivity strategy around.

A Must Read for your Personal Growth Library

Chris Bailey does it again! Another great read (or listen) with insights about how our brain craves the high we get from being on our phones and how to be more mindful in where and when we focus our attention. Chris shows how to break away from the constant scrolling and gives practical tips for graviting towards a more calm and intentional presence leading to increased productivity and creativity. Within a week of implementing a few of these strategies I found myself being more effective in my working hours and more present in my personal time with family and friends. Entertainingly well written and filled with personal anecdotes, How to Calm Your Mind needs to be in your personal growth library!

Life Saver - Must Read/Listen

This was an excellent book I’m so happy I listened to - it’s having a direct and meaningful impact on my life. Thank you Chris (and Josh Spodek for having you on his podcast where I learned about the book).

Excellent book, useful info

This is a good, thorough exploration of the topic. I have recommend it to many others

Exactly what I needed to hear!

This book has helped me understand my chronic stress and has given me the tools to be present in my life once more. Thanks so much Chris!

Insightful, actionable info on calming your mind

I particularly liked the chapter on the stimulation fast and also the insights on how chronic anxiety reduces cognitive performance.