Seriously HAPPY

10 life-changing philosophy lessons from Stoicism to Zen to supercharge your mindset

Ben Aldridge author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Quarto Publishing PLC

Published:5th Sep '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Seriously HAPPY cover

Seriously Happy is a highly practical self-help guide exploring 10 life-changing lessons based on teachings of the ancient philosophers.

YA readers are encouraged to discover how Stoicism can improve your mental resilience; the calming, meditative influence of Zen; the decision-making prowess of Aristotle or the confidence-boosting ideas of the Cynic philosophers.

As a young man, author Ben Aldridge struggled with debilitating anxiety and self-doubt, until he discovered Stoicism and other philosophies which helped him restore balance, peace and contentment in his life. In this book, Ben shares over 20 practical challenges rooted in ancient philosophy that will power up your focus and confidence, improve your critical thinking, build mental resilience, and embrace happiness. The text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations by Michelle Brackenborough.

The challenges are based on ancient philosophical ideas – such as ‘shame attacking’, facing your fears, and appreciating the small things in life – as well as the ancient arts of Tai-Chi, Qi-Gong and meditation. Seriously Happy shows how to harness the power of ancient philosophies to deal with the real-world stress and anxieties of today.

  • Learn to master a growth mindset and face your fears with fun tasks and challenges such as 'the banana walk', inspired by Cynic philosophers.

  • Get curious, question everything, and power up your critical thinking like Socrates.
     
  • Learn how to make good life choices inspired by Aristotle’sGolden Mean

  • Train your mind and embrace discomfort with cold-water therapy or digital fasting like Buddhist teachers.

  • Increase your mental resilience by keeping a setback diary like the Stoics.

  • Power up your focus & concentration with a walking meditation inspired by Zen philosophy.

  • Protect your wellbeing by practising Tai Chi and being in nature like the Taoists.


Be calm, be confident, and be (seriously) happy!

“…instructive and conveyed in an accessible, conversational style.”

* Kirkus Reviews *

“This guide for teenagers has 10 life-changing lessons from ancient philosophies including Stoicism and Zen, and will help with anxiety, mental resilience and confidence.”

* The Bookseller *

“…show[s] readers how to be confident, decisive, and resilient.”

-- Rachel Werner * Shelf Awareness *

“ . . . ultimately strengthen[s] readers’ comfort levels.”

-- Angela Leeper * Bookli

ISBN: 9780711297791

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 350g

176 pages