21 Days to Happiness
Ingrid Kelada
Wellness Ink Publishing
Published on September 25, 2017
Amazon | Goodreads | Author’s Website
About 21 Days to Happiness
Feeling busy, stressed or disappointed has become the “new normal”. The truth is it doesn’t have to be that way, and the solutions are simple.
Instead of hoping for happiness, what if happiness is something you DO, something you CHOOSE every day? The good news: it is.
Psychologist and happiness expert Ingrid Kelada provides a step-by-step guide to help you increase your personal happiness and feel more motivated. You can learn how with simple 10-minute strategies. Each day of the 21 day journey focuses on one key area of your life, including:
• Time: how to break the cycle of chaos and manage your time effectively.
• Body Language: exploring the surprising links between body language and happiness.
• Relationships: how to make the most of the number one predictor of happiness.
• Work: how to use your strengths and talents so you are engaged and motivated.
Happiness is a choice. A daily decision to choose happy can be easy, fun and rewarding. With this book, in just a few minutes per day, you can practice one new happiness habit and jot down your notes in the journal section.
My Review
I decided to read this book after working with the author—who is genuinely enthusiastic and upbeat and fun—to help her prepare for her book launch. As I skimmed some of the pages and chapters to help put together some promotional information, I found myself captivated by the simple, practical steps and supporting research. I couldn’t help wanting to read more.
Generally I think of myself as a pretty happy person, so I probably wouldn’t have thought to pick this book up off of a shelf. Reading it validated some of the practices I already use that bring me joy and keep me energized and focused. It also gave me new strategies for areas of my life where I’ve been looking for better strategies.
For instance, last fall, my daughter’s school day began at 8am. While this made for early mornings (I’m not a morning person!), it also gave me a long morning for work. Once I adjusted to that routine, I was able to get a lot done. This year, though, she’s at a new school, and doesn’t begin her day until 9:30am.
I love getting to sleep in a bit later, but I’ve been frustrated by the short mornings and have been really struggling to find a schedule where I can get as much done as I used to. Day 15 on taking a break in 21 Days to Happiness suggests some work and break routines for better productivity in the morning and afternoon that I’m super excited to try. I think they’ll work really well for the kinds of tasks I do.
Even if you’re not struggling with being unhappy or unsatisfied, I think this is a great book to read. All of us have bad habits or struggles that new strategies and ideas can help us improve. I especially loved the resources sections at the end of each chapter where you can find links to videos with more information on a topic or apps for things like guided meditation. The author’s website also includes a quick happiness quiz, which you can fill out and see where you’re happiest and which areas need some attention.
Ingrid Kelada’s book makes it so easy to succeed. It’s jam-packed with practical tips and supporting research all explained in a conversational tone that makes you feel like she’s right there with you. This is one book I’ll be keeping on hand and referring back to in the future.
Recommended for Ages 13 up.
Cultural Elements
None.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
There’s one instance of profanity that’s got an asterisk blocking part of the word. It’s a quote from a client, and is crude to make a point.
Romance/Sexual Content
A couple of places refer to sex very briefly. In one, the author hints that bedtime isn’t the best time for such a stimulating activity. In another, she refers to words from a palliative care nurse who explains that most people facing the end of life don’t talk about things like sex or bungee jumping.
Spiritual Content
More than one chapter talks about incorporating meditation as part of a daily routine. Quotes in the book feature authors like Mother Therese and Buddha.
Violent Content
None.
Drug Content
The author openly talks about drinking a glass of wine or champagne as a treat or part of a date or relaxing time.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
