The Monkey Mind Workout for Uncertainty - by Jennifer Shannon (Paperback)

About the Book

In a world where the future is increasingly uncertain, it's easy to wallow in what-ifs. But over time, anxiety and worry can get in the way of living a full and meaningful life. In this fun, illustrated workbook, psychologist Jennifer Shannon presents a thirty-day anxiety-busting workout to help readers outsmart their anxious "monkey mind" and build the mental muscle it takes to face uncertainty with calm confidence!

Book Synopsis

Outsmart your monkey mind and build the mental muscle it takes to face uncertainty with calm confidence!

Do you lie awake at night worrying? Are you anxious about your own health and well-being? Do you stress about paying the bills, or wonder if you'll be able to cover unexpected expenses? Do you obsess about politics or the state of the world in general? If the answer is "yes," you are far from alone. In a world where the future is increasingly uncertain, it's easy to wallow in what-ifs. But over time, anxious "chatter"--also known as your "monkey mind"--can get in the way of living a full and meaningful life. So, how can you quiet the monkey and stop feeling like you're living in a constant state of emergency?

In this fun, illustrated book, psychologist Jennifer Shannon presents a 30-day anxiety-busting workout to help you increase your mental fitness and overcome your fear of uncertainty. Each daily exercise encourages you to embrace uncertain situations, rather than avoiding or attempting to control them. The more you work out, the more you'll develop and strengthen a positive, flexible mind-set, and prove to yourself that you can handle much more than you thought.

You'll also learn how to use everyday situations as opportunities to improve how you cope with uncertainty, reduce stress and anxiety, and be present in each moment. As you gradually change your behavior, you'll notice positive changes in the way you think and feel, and begin to anticipate and process uncomfortable emotions without giving in to the monkey-mind chatter.

It's normal to worry about what will happen next--especially in our uncertain world. But by sticking with the workout in this book, you can transform your mind-set and go from stressed and worried to relaxed and confident!

Review Quotes

"The Monkey Mind Workout for Uncertainty is a welcome addition to our worried world, with helpful tips and engaging stories to build resilience in the face of uncertainty. I am excited to recommend this book to my readers and friends, particularly those who struggle with generalized anxiety or the need to feel in control."
--Arlin Cuncic, MA, author of The Anxiety Workbook, and founder of www.aboutsocialanxiety.com--Arlin Cuncic, MA

"Both brilliant and fun! A humor-filled workout for dealing with uncertainty is just what we need right now. If you struggle with anxiety, decision-making, or feel pain when things can't be 'just so, ' this program is sure to help. I loved the inspirational, comical drawings and daily creative exercises for embracing uncertainty, building self-compassion and resilience, and finding more joy in life. Sweating the small stuff never felt so good."
--Christine A. Padesky, PhD, clinical psychologist, coauthor of Mind Over Mood, and author of The Clinician's Guide to CBT Using Mind Over Mood--Christine A. Padesky, PhD

"Think of The Monkey Mind Workout for Uncertainty as your mental boot camp, in the best sense of the term. Jennifer Shannon makes a bold promise: to reshape our attitude toward the inevitable uncertainties of the future. And then she delivers, using powerful, playful guidance to help us take immediate action, break our usual patterns, and do things differently. Simple and bold, quick and user-friendly, this set of structures will help you cut a clear path to the joys of being flexible, curious, and at peace."
--Reid Wilson, PhD, author of Stopping the Noise in Your Head--Reid Wilson, PhD

"This delightful book is just what you need to help your brain and body learn to tolerate the discomfort of uncertainty. Written with a bright, positive, and upbeat style--at times quite personal--Jennifer Shannon will guide you through 'workouts' that are manageable, scientifically valid, and can be tooled to your own particular needs."
--Martin N. Seif, PhD, ABPP, cofounder of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA); and coauthor of What Every Therapist Need to Know About Anxiety Disorders, Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts, and Needing to Know for Sure--Martin N. Seif, PhD, ABPP

"This is the book that addresses the subtle nuances of effective exposure-based treatment that most self-help books overlook. She explains common misunderstandings that undermine progress, such as resisting checking to prove nothing bad will happen--as opposed to resisting checking to exercise the 'welcoming' muscles that build resilience and confidence in the face of uncertainty."
--Sally Winston, PsyD, coauthor of Needing to Know for Sure and Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts--Sally Winston, PsyD

"Wow! Jennifer Shannon brings thirty exercises--one month's worth--to help you become more accepting of the uncertainty that exists all around us. The aim isn't to abolish, or even master, uncertainty--it's to acclimate, and even take pleasure in feelings of not being in control, because that's what life is all about. If you want more flexibility, joy, and peace in your life, this book is for you. Too busy for daily exercises? This book is especially for you!"
--Dave Carbonell, PhD, "coach" on the popular self-help site, www.anxietycoach.com; and author of Panic Attacks Workbook, The Worry Trick, Fear of Flying Workbook, and Outsmart Your Anxious Brain--Dave Carbonell, PhD

About the Author

Jennifer Shannon, LMFT, is author of Don't Feed the Monkey Mind, The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens, The Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens, and A Teen's Guide to Getting Stuff Done. She cofounded the Santa Rosa Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Santa Rosa, CA. She is a diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

Foreword writer Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist who is board certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology. He is codirector of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy.