Easy read. Good thoughts to put into practice in your life. The format of the book made it easy to read. You could pick up the book after not reading it for a bit and get right back into it.

I was intrigued by this book's title, and I wasn't disappointed. It is, indeed, a rough guide to happiness, but a good, clear guide. I like that the author doesn't endorse anything he hasn't tried or experienced himself. I realized as I read that I had already adopted many of the suggestions within, and this book was the pat on the back I needed to tell me, "Yeah, you're doing all right!" I can't say that I learned anything new, but it helps to be reminded of things from time to time: for example, gently encouraging our subconsious to give us answers. Above all else, I value the author's suggestion that we explore the lessons and literature of our human past but, in the end, to decide for ourselves what happiness is.

Not your typical self-help book. This book was more of a study of happiness. The information in this book was comprehensive and interesting. Format was nice. However, it was tough to read cover to cover. ( )

I have read seriously in the subject of happiness. A lot of important stuff is coming out of positive psychology. So I asked for this book in the Early Reviewers program. It took forever to get to me, but I set aside my other reading and devoured a few pages. That devouring turned sour, though, when the author indulged in seemingly endless self-congratulation and in denigration of other authorities. I set it aside and never returned to it, though I would actually like to see what he has to say.

It promised to be a light weight work and proved to be the straw that ... I am no longer in the early reviewers program.

Rough Guides are great because they cover so much information. They are quite comprehensive in each subject. This book was no exception. It is a great place to begin exploring the topic. I learned from this book that there are an almost infinite amount of factors that contribute to happiness, and that happiness is complicated due to human nature.

"Happiness" is much harder to define than you might think. Dr. Baylis begins by defining "happiness" for the purposes of this book: "Happiness is [...:] a deeply satisfying sense of all-round, well-balanced well-being and progress in our life, a sense that our life is going in the right direction, no matter the pains we might be suffering as stepping stones en route."

The main theme that is repeated throughout the book is the importance of following our passions, at all costs. It benefits ourselves and those around us; it makes our lives honest and satisfying. The human brain has evolved to be a problem-solver, and since our current environment is relatively danger-free, our brains have a lot of spare room. Using that spare brain on activities about which we are passionate allows us to remain active. The idle brain tends to focus on past regrets and worries about the future.

Baylis devotes a chapter to the subconscious because it has a huge influence on our behavior. Patterns are often difficult to consciously change because the subconscious is actually running the show. "The irony is that what's profoundly healthy for us will probably feel damned awkward for a while, and we'll kick against it. Our progress will rely on our willingness to tough it out when feeling deeply uncomfortable with such unfamiliar ways of relating to the world."

Vigorous physical activity is the only way to lose weight without our body having to compensate for food shortages. Full body, natural activities are best, and dancing with a partner provides physical as well as profound psychological benefits. Relationships with other people are a major factor in our being well. If we have a significant other, reminding them on a daily basis that we treasure their love more than anything and regularly taking quality time together should be a priority. Your marriage should take precedence over even your children, because "children are like evolving planets that thrive best when basking in the warmth created by the loving adults whose profound partnership creates the sunshine at the center of their life."
Numerous polls have asked successful people the reason for their success, and it usually comes down to having had a mentor.

A few more notes:
-It is very important to get 8-10 hours of sleep every night. To start out your sleep on a pleasant note, ask yourself each ight what three things happened that day that you can be grateful for.
-Having a sense of progress is pleasurable, and perfectionism is an enemy of progress.
-Regarding depression, a major problem in the field is that focusing on prevention is not lucrative.
-Read biographies of people who had good lives.
-The internet has made us all more connected and efficient, but it hasn't improved our well-being because "life needs to be savored, not gulped."

Finally, a personal note: As much as I would like to be able to learn everything from books and theory, human nature demands that we explore and create things for ourselves.
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