Notes on a Nervous Planet

Easy to sort through, this easy-read features common sense observations on ourchanging world's current social environment. I actually like this book much better than the popular Midnight Library. The message is crystal clear; take back your mindfulness, people. We are not robots! I knew all this, but how refreshing having someone else simply state it all with grace. I would hand this book to anyone to perk them up and remind them to focus less on their screens and more on 'the roses.' For me, the book was a little padded towards the end. It could have been even more short and sweet! K. That is all. Off to sit in the sun :-)

Reading 'Notes on a Nervous Planet' has made me feel remarkably serene, content, sane and strong. It has comforted me in some of my life choices, given me fresh ideas, made me laugh at myself and generally given me the warm fuzzies. Thanks to MH for sharing his struggles and his epiphanies.

While this collection of short essays and random yet compelling commentaries on our culture is marketed towards "those who suffer from anxiety and depression" - that's ALL of us to one degree or another.Such "ailments" are at epidemic levels in our culture (no, not our country, or our society - but by our entire western world CULTURE.Why? Because inherently we KNOW that we're on an unsustainable path, and that science and technology will NOT save us from ourselves.But Haig's common sense essays remind us that WE'RE not crazy - that the world IS crazy - and our reaction to that (anxiety) is NORMAL - but that doesn't mean we have to be sucked down into insanity with it. Just that very notion that WE are in charge of how we think about ourselves, and the world, provides the calming sanity in which one can recognize that anxiety happens when we reject what we inherently know to be true.Just because we live in a crazy culture doesn't mean we need to accept it - or medicate ourselves be it with anti depressants, anti-anxiety meds - or of course the numerous other drugs including alcohol we use to dull our senses enough to accept a crazy world. We can recognize that our culture is crazy and make the choice stand outside of it even as we are forced to live within it - and work to create a new culture that embraces simplicity and sustainability. We can minimize those things like cellphones constant intrusion into our lives - and recognize that we have NO idea what we're doing to a generation of kids being brought up to view the world through their cellphone cameras at best.Haig touches on SO many topics - and while his chapters might be 1 or 2 pages long in a book that can be read in a weekend, it SHOULD foster a lifetime of contemplation of recognizing that we're not quite as evolved as we think we are as a species - but that we ARE experiencing an awakening that can restore sanity and sustainability into an anxiety cultivating culture.Bravo Matt Haig & thank you!

Love all Matt Haig’s books! (And personally think his nonfictions are better than his fictions, despite him being known for the Midnight Library). Unlike his other books which focuses on depression, Notes on a Nervous Planet ties several societal issues into the narrative and provides a deep thoughtful discussion on how certain aspects of today’s society shape our perception and contribute to mental health issues. It also provides several insights on how we can shield ourselves from things that trigger anxiety and unhappiness and offers a means to relieve us from the pain. The book doesn’t really have a defined structure but has gems scattered throughout. Like most of Haig’s other books, this one is just calming and enlightening.

Lots of platitudes and quoted ideas, not sure you need to spend more than 1h with the book. Have appreciated the lists.

Matt Haig captures this reader's attention from page 1 to the finish. He reports his life experiences without self pity or self egrandisement and I can identify with his struggles (I've not had his experiences but like everyone else had big problems to resolve) his inner search and determination, and his inspiring recovery from adversity. This book entertains, informs, and encourages any reader who faces anxiety in this challenging world. It shows how to find a calm, confident approach to life.

It’s a book that is written from personal experience and common sense; not necessarily a strong research base. However, it’s assert are hard to dispute, and it recognizes and crystallizes what we all know: too much time on-line is not good for our mental health. It’ll help you justify (to others) good reasons to go off-line.

As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, Matt's writings help in letting Me know that I'm okay. This book is exactly what I needed to read. We are living in a time that is hard to understand and sometimes letting go is necessary, but not to the point of recklessness. Matt seems to always find the right way to pinpoint the struggles of many and he has the ability to make us feel as if we are wrapped safe in a warm blanket. Sounds corny, I'm sure... but I honestly having a hard time writing this without crying as it truly brought a certain type of peace to my soul. Thank you Matt. xoxo