A section of the book that truly caught my attention examines the ways in which stress can increase your risk for disease, depression and early death. Learning about the ways in which stress harms the body’s immunity and health habits made me realize the necessity of changing my mental and physical reactions toward anxiety. As Wheeler says insightfully, “It is up to you to exert whatever control you can to make your life as peaceful, generous, and as happy as it can be.”

While writing this review, I feel the old familiar tension start to creep into my shoulders as the deadline approaches, but after reading through the exercises in Wheeler’s book, I now know to simply take a moment and focus on my breath. I take three deep breaths and, as the book suggests, remind myself that each breath is an achievement in itself. As Wheeler says, “This is a good thing, this breath. It brings life in and it carries used-up old stuff out.” So why don’t you try it, too? Go ahead and inhale for ten …exhale for ten…

Click here to purchase a copy of 10 Simple Stress Solutions: How to Tame Tension & Start Enjoying Your Life for $11.01.