Customer Reviews

Chill: Stress-Reducing Techniques for a More Balanced, Peaceful You

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As exams approach at a breakneck pace and all those deadlines loom ominously over your head, you may find yourself more stressed than ever. We've all heard the stories, the advice, and the do's and don'ts. But what it usually comes down to is cramming everything that needs to get done is as short of a time as possible, because let's face it: your technique works.

Well, sort of.

In Chill, Reber offers a practical, sensitive, and very down to earth advice that can be of use of anyone. She knows that teens live in a world where the competition for everything--from yearbook mock elections to spots in college--is tough, and what's more, she empathizes and doesn't try to talk down to her readers. Instead, she asks the questions that matter to determine just how much stress you add on to your life, and offers up sensible ideas to help keep you organized and relaxed--with minimal effort, and in easy to adopt practices. From tips on how to de-clutter your hard drive to ways to organize your social life, Reber's advice will motivate and inspire to do more than just get it done, but get it done in a laid back and relaxed fashion.

Stress isn't a condition reserved solely for adults. Everyone experiences stress, from a grade school student worrying about a quiz in math class to a high school teen trying to figure out how they're ever going to survive school long enough to make it to college. And adults -- well, adults might have more stress, but they can't claim they're the only ones who do.

Author Deborah Reber breaks stress down and makes it a bearable condition in CHILL. First, we find out what stress is. Then, we learn how we can, if not get rid of it completely, at least make it bearable.

There are sections of the book dedicated to taking action: getting organized, learning to manage your time, realizing that it's okay to say "no." Then we learn the basics of looking out for ourselves: creating a support network of family and friends, and gaining perspective into the fact that sometimes we're going to need other people's help in getting over whatever it is that's bothering us. Then there's my favorite part, that of turning in and getting physical: learning that nutrition and exercise can help balance out our stressful lives, figuring out do-it-yourself strategies that can help in just about any situation, and even the importance of writing things down in a journal.

We might not be stressing every day of our lives, but there will always be times when we do. And when that happens, be thankful that you have a book like CHILL to remind you of what's important -- taking time for you!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Chill: Stress-Reducing Techniques for a More Balanced, Peaceful You by Deborah Reber is a great non-fiction pick for teens. Chill talks about different causes of stress, like homework, parents, friends, and getting into college, and ways to relieve or minimize that stress, such as journaling and talking to others. It also discusses time management, organization, even exercise and nutrition.

Readers will come away from Chill with plenty of positive thoughts and new ways to de-stress. The book never feels clinical or dry. The author never talks down to readers, nor does she try to talk like them and be uber-hip. The writing is straightforward and positive throughout the book.

Even though this book was written for teens, adults should check it out as well. Chill isn't just about high school worries - there are plenty of other sections from which grown-up multi-taskers could greatly benefit as well. For example, Chill encourages people to recognize the need to take time for oneself. It's okay to take a breather now and then, even when and especially when you have a busy schedule!

When you get Chill, also pick up a new journal and some new pens. You'll be making organized lists and journal entries before you know it!