Introduction 13
We would encourage all readers to think of their com-
mitment to this book in much the same way as they might
make a commitment to improving any other aspect of their
life. If you want the body of a world- class athlete, you have to
commit to training daily; if you want the intellect of a top
scientist, you have to commit to a rigorous course of aca-
demic study; and if you want the wealth of a billionaire, you
have to commit to developing financial success through
smart investments. If you want to retrain your mind (your
thoughts and emotions) and your body (the way your body
responds to anxiety) in order to enhance your mental health,
then it’s important that you commit to incorporating into
your everyday life the ideas and skills contained in this book.
This book may also be useful for mental health and other
health care professionals who work with people who report
feeling excessively anxious. Many of the skills taught in this
book can easily be adapted for use in psychotherapy or as a
complement to professional therapy services. This book,
however, is not a substitute for the professional services of a
mental health care practitioner, especially if you believe you
can’t manage your anxiety on your own. If you are already
receiving treatment for a psychological condition, we
encourage you to discuss and share this book with your ther-
apist or counselor. If you are experiencing thoughts of
suicide or self- harm, immediately seek help from a mental
health care professional or your primary care physician.
Using This Book to Manage Your Anxiety
This book is one of the first to present an integrated model
of mindfulness and emotion regulation. Its purpose is to