Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women

We may have heard many of the ideas presented in "Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women" but Sue Augustine has put them together with her magical storytelling style to reveal a masterpiece. Much like a jigsaw puzzle, the picture is revealed in the assembly of the pieces, in this case; a picture of harmony, poise and serenity that will benefit the soul of any woman who reads it. Ethel Rowntree, Beyond Ordinary Living

Are you overwhelmed and feeling frazzled? If so, Sue Augustine has some powerful words of wisdom that will help you overcome your stress. The first four chapters of this book, help you identify what areas of your life are out of control and how to get back on track. In Chapter Three, Sue describes the various types of stress and how it affects us. There is a checklist at the end of this chapter so that you can self-evaluate your level of stress and anxiety and identify the main sources of agitation in your life. Chapters Five through Ten focus on recognizing the stressors and how to take action and isolate specific areas that you need to improve upon. Sue offers great advice on how to recognize the warning signals, identify what you can and cannot control, and be a creative problem solver. Sue also suggests ways to simplify your life by incorporating healthy practices, learning balance and how to slow down. She talks about the benefits of laughter and rest as well as diet, exercise, thought life and learning contentment. Being an "organizer" by nature, one of my favorite chapters was "Clear Out the Clutter", where Sue offers solid practical advice on how to take action if you find yourself drowning in "stuff". This chapter teaches the readers how to set aside 30 minutes a day and work on a de-cluttering system, which essentially reduces stress in the long run.

Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (5/09) Today's woman is taking on more than ever. Between managing a successful career, family life, staying connected with friends, running a household, watching her and her loved ones' health issues, religious convictions, and various volunteering, it can be almost impossible to fit anything else into her already overflowing schedule. Author and dynamic motivational speaker Sue Augustine knows this and how quickly burnout, fatigue, and even depression can undermine that hectic lifestyle. Her new book, "Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women" addresses these important topics to assist the frustrated and frazzled in their quest for tranquility. "Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women" is a collection of 25 `sanity secrets' from Augustine's own life experiences that identify, explain, and help overcome the worst energy drainers faced by many modern women. More than the standard and predictable relaxation or meditation advice given in many of these de-stressing type books, her ideas go beyond to bring scriptural context and adaptable balance into the craziness. Points such as simplifying, avoiding procrastination, and evaluating what's within may seem like obvious obstacles, yet Augustine notes that without their specific identification in one's life and the conscious choices necessary in overcoming them, they continue to hinder one's positive progress. Written for today's middle-aged Christian woman, "Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women" is warmly-toned, intelligent advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed with life and looking for a drastic change for the better. Broken down and organized for easy reading and precise help, Sue Augustine gives a serious, down-to-earth commentary while maintaining a sense of humor and wit necessary for corralling the chaos. Her advice is further sprinkled with ageless wisdom from both God's word and some of the great minds of our times. "Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women" is a fun read with realistic goals for a more fulfilling and less-stressed existence. Educational and motivating, author Sue Augustine knows exactly how to energize even the most burned-out woman into starting on the path towards more contentment and a joy-filled life. From the climbing businesswoman to the non-stop stay at home mother, "Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women" and its sanity secrets work!