Vora makes an illuminating distinction between “false anxiety” and “true anxiety." “False anxiety” is an anxiety response brought on by a physical imbalance; but most importantly, it’s avoidable. And wouldn’t you know, many of the things we reach for to feel better actually make anxiety worse. Thankfully, though it's not easy, if we stop boozing, jacking ourselves up with caffeine and sugar, and prioritize sleep, amongst other things, we can quell some, if not all, of the discomfort. If you've addressed all physical components to anxiety but are still suffering, this is what Vora calls “true anxiety.” We think anxiety is so awful that it should be avoided at all costs, but Vora introduces an enlightening concept—anxiety is an opportunity to take stock of your life and see where things aren’t working for you.

“Instead of asking, How can I stop feeling so anxious?,” she writes, “we should be asking, What is my anxiety telling me?” Might you be saying yes when you mean no? Are you in a job you hate? Do you have community? Vora, board certified in psychiatry and integrative holistic medicine, an acupuncturist and yoga teacher, considers the whole system, mind and body. Change is daunting, but Vora’s approach is brilliant, encouraging, and compassionate. This essential book reminds us that anxiety can be a messenger for positive change.

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