Using the latest evidence-based techniques from various therapies, such as CBT and mindfulness, the psychotherapist Owen Oâ€Kane explains how best to manage stress and de-clutter our minds. Outlining the tools we need to build resilience, he reveals how to form healthier perspectives in areas such as past regrets, current worries and relationship troubles.
1. Don't hold onto regrets (this is essentially self-punishment).
2. When you are worried about an outcome, try and change your thoughts from 'what if' to 'then what.' Imagine this thing you worry about did in fact happen, how would you deal with it? Thinking about this can help reduce anxiety.
3. Allocate time in your day (ie 10 minutes at night) to worry about things.
4. We often have moderating behaviours (ie checking the oven several times to make sure its off) that reduce our worries. Having less moderating behaviours can lead to a happier life. Try and gradually reduce these behaviours.
5. Engaging with unhealthy habits of coping (ie eating junk food, drinking, etc) can lead to low self esteem and unhappiness.
6. Simplicity is essential for happiness. When we have a lot of stuff, perhaps there is more fear of what we can lose.
7. Being addicted to drama can lead to further unhappiness. Drama can come in the form of being excessively busy and packing your schedule full, or gossiping, or fighting with people online, or tolerating unhealthy relationships.
I am always found with my head in a book craving the joy of the characters and pure escapism to whisk me away from day to day life. Today I am reviewing a completely different book which I read in the hope that rather than finding a fictional character’s happiness I may find a glimmer of my own in Ten Times Happier by Owen O’Kane. I have read so many books in the past year on, happiness, positive thinking and self help and if I am completely honest with you I think the money back in my pocket would have been more help than the words that were inside, I found them condescending and unhelpful and a little whimsical. When I read the blurb for Ten Times Happier it sounded promising and the mention of “ Do you want a down to earth guide from a professional on how you can be happier minus the fairy dust?” won me over even if there was still a part of me believing that this was going to be another waste of my time. Really I could just review this book as simply as THANK YOU to Owen O’Kane and I am not too proud to say that I had a little weep at a couple of points reading this book and a big snotty one when finishing it at then end as it felt like for the first time in two and a half years some one actually GOT me and listened to me without evening having to meet me or talk! I lost my husband to Suicide in Februrary 2019, we walked the river twice a day to try and find his body which prolonged the funeral and the coroners court and the grieving process, like him I also tried to seek help in my feelings later that year but there was a long waiting list and then Covid hit so I have never received help. I turned to my old faithful friend reading to try and find help amongst the pages and all the books later I finally found this book that has felt like it understood me. No it isn’t a magic cure but it is a little light that makes you see things differently and gives you ways of coping and processing different things. We all struggle with many different things that cause unhappiness from relationships, money, anxiety and depression, addiction, grief and so on. Some chapters you will resonate with more than others, I have a couple that literally felt like they were written for me and I was sitting there nodding away as each thing he mentioned was so true. Chapter 10 which is about being fixated on uncertainty concerning the future was one I will continually go back to. I can not tell you the last time I was truly happy and comfortable or when I last laughed properly. I find going to parties or gatherings with friends and family particularly overwhelming and it makes me fell like I don’t belong anymore and this was also something that one of his cases he mentioned felt and it was a light relief to know that it isn’t just me who feels like this. “I’m not sure I will ever laugh properly again” is what the person in question said and that hit hard as I have had this thought so often. Another part that sticks in my mind is that of living simply and living for the day and being content with what we have as we are not in control of the future so as much as we can plan all we like things will always come up that can put the plan of course so at least if you can enjoy today you are not missing out on your future, The way in which the author writes the book is literally like you are sitting there in a room with him speaking to you his voices flowing through the pages with just his attention and focus on you. I read this on kindle but I am that blown away by this book and have found it so helpful I am going to get the audio to listen to on my way to work in the mornings when I am having one of those I can’t face the world today moments and also a paperback to post it note all the pages that I feel help me. Chapter 11 was another chapter that resonated with me and I really wish that there was more help readily out there because talking about traumatic situations is important in the road to recovery rather than doing what myself and a lot of others do and jus have to try and pack it away in a box to try and get through a “normal” day and yet still relive the event every day as though it has only just happened. I would definitely whole heartedly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a little down to earth honest help to find that little glisten of happiness again. I will read anything this man writes because he has made me feel like there is a small chance of finding a little happiness once again.
Best self help book I have read so far. Incredibly honest outlook on life from a psychologists point of view. His life experiences, growing up as a gay man in a religious family in Ireland and how he managed to stand up for himself and his happiness throighout his teen/young adult years is really inspiring. Usually self help books are all the same but i felt as if this one really resonated with me. There were a few parts in the book that felt as if my mind was being read and the author personally knew my current circumstances lol. Overall amazing book and I would recommend this to anybody looking for something to read in this category
4.5 stars Many a time, these self-help type books come in all gung-ho that they're going to solve every issue (or at least the issue they're peddling) for the reader. You get your hopes up...and then the 'solutions' come...and you're not even aware what 'your' problem is to start to apply such strategies in your life. Not the case with this book, fortunately! A lot of people state much of what's in here is 'common knowledge' - maybe it is, but what makes this book stand out is how this knowledge is explained and illustrated and presented to the reader, and then said reader is almost hand-held by the author to work through 'this' particular issue, one at a time. I really enjoyed how it broke down each chapter to just one problem and you work through that. Even though there is some overlap in the work you do on yourself, as the author acknowledges time and time again, you're put in front of one issue and are made to deal with it - I almost want to say 'empowered' to deal with it... It's a good book for anyone who wants to work on themselves and don't want or don't have access to actual therapy in an office setting. The prompts are well-sketched and 'enabling' rather than making you feel small and like you're 'lacking' if you're here to do this work on yourself.
I went through a lot of self-help books in my 20's, and with this being published in 1997, I wasn't expecting anything new, and I was right, but Owen presents the information is such a simple and easy to understand format, it carried a bigger impact.
Owen's message is simple, stop thinking negative thoughts, and focus on more positive ones.
With it being so short and full of helpful exercises, I would recommend this to anyone trying to improve their mindset and there life.
In ‘Ten Times Happier’ the author explains 10 areas in our lives that most people poorly manage or could get rid of to help them feel happier in their everyday lives. It talks about a range of different techniques that are based on CBT and are easy to use.
Times are hard at the moment for most people and I found this book really easy to read and useful. I loved the supportive, friendly tone of the book and I really liked the practical tips that were explained well. The case studies throughout the book were also really heartwarming and relatable. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, depression or just generally would like to feel more positive in life, I would really recommend this book.
The book offers unique tips on how to train the brain and change the way you think. It encourages you to question the automated thoughts that you may not have been aware of. With the help of this book, you'll start to see the world and yourself differently, understand better and love more. Your hidden negative thoughts will be flourished. Useful book, in practice already makes me 10x happier. The only complaint is the "template" writing, which gets a little boring over time, but is definitely worth reading.
Incredibly powerful information. The more personally attacked you feel the better. Plus, you really feel he's sitting down to talk to you personally.
However, given he's a big advocate for CBT and avoiding rumination, there should be further acknowledgement in that feelings are valid and not necessarily something to be fixed. They need to be expressed.
*Ten Times Happier* by Owen O'Kane is a refreshingly candid and practical self-help book that merges psychology with mindfulness, offering a blueprint for living a calmer, happier life. O'Kane, a former NHS clinical lead and psychotherapist, draws on his vast experience to present strategies for reducing anxiety, stress, and negative thought patterns.
The book's strength lies in its straightforwardness. O'Kane avoids the lofty language that often accompanies self-help literature and instead uses an accessible, conversational tone. He offers readers a mix of personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and therapeutic insights, making the material relatable and easy to digest. O'Kane’s approach is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), weaving these concepts seamlessly throughout the book.
What sets *Ten Times Happier* apart is its focus on dismantling unhelpful mental habits. O'Kane is clear that happiness is not an elusive, all-encompassing feeling but a daily practice of managing one's mind. He emphasizes that perfectionism, people-pleasing, and fear of failure are key obstacles to happiness and offers tools to overcome them.
The book's structure, divided into ten chapters that focus on different areas of mental health, makes it easy to navigate. Each chapter ends with reflective exercises, encouraging readers to pause and apply the concepts to their own lives. This interactive aspect allows for a deeper engagement with the material.
However, the book’s simplicity could be a double-edged sword for some. Readers looking for more in-depth exploration of psychological theories might find the content too surface-level. O'Kane’s advice is practical but may not be novel for those familiar with self-help and therapeutic principles.
Overall, *Ten Times Happier* is a valuable read for anyone seeking practical, actionable advice on improving their mental well-being. O'Kane’s down-to-earth style and emphasis on self-awareness and acceptance make it a useful guide for those looking to reduce anxiety and lead a more peaceful, fulfilling life. It’s particularly suited for readers who are new to mindfulness or seeking a no-nonsense approach to happiness.
I couldn't believe when I finished this book in one day! This happened after like, a decade.
A well-written treatise, which is easy to understand and follow, with a proper plan towards finding and increasing happiness. This book doesn't give you any short cuts, or promises one formula that applies to all. The writer has a very humane, connected way of talking to the readers making you feel like it's written especially for you.
The author has divided the book into different sections, adding several pauses, where you could stop, and deliberate, and journal your thoughts to reach your own individual conclusions about the reasons why you're stuck in certain situations and how you could move forward from there.
A really good read if you want a light and flowy approach towards understanding your life's happiness, or the lack of it.
The average Goodreads rating for this book is 3.8, but it's better than most of the 4+ star books I've read lately, so I'm giving it 4.
Improving your happiness takes effort and an ongoing commitment. Owen O'Kane is honest and upfront about that. People gobbling up self-help books want a quick fix, not challenging questions and self-reflection.
The author's life stories become repetitive if you read the book from cover to cover, but it's a minor complaint. I appreciated Owen's compassion and humility. The encouragement to seek professional support lends credibility to the book, too. It's not snake oil.
The further gently leads you through a passage of examination, it's light, not intense and easy to follow, and but in or out of. It's the sort of work you can easily read right through to get an overview, then reflect and revisit to go on your own voyage of selfdiscovery. He has certain lynchpin in his own life story which tend to negate the overall effect....the multiple mentions of " the troubles" and his sexual orientation are two....items said to illustrative effect on occasion but the repetition grinds...minor negative point.
Whenever I read self-help books, I learn new things, and even the simplest ideas help me build a better frame of mind. *Ten Times Happier* by Owen O’Kane is an easy-to-read self-help book that teaches simple ways to feel less stressed and more happy. The author shares practical tips and real-life examples from his work as a therapist. The advice is clear and useful, making it a good book for anyone who wants to improve their mental health. Some parts might feel a bit repetitive, but it’s still a helpful guide for living a calmer, happier life.
This book teaches you about three things: 1. Jot down whatever bad feelings you have 2. Learn to identify what are the causes that trigger these behaviours or feelings 3. Learn to let go on those feelings. If younfail to do so, you will only be ten times less happier than what you are.
I would recommend to those who feel they need more happiness in their life, or someone who needs a new perspective on how comparing your life and your future to others can kill your self-esteem and confidence.
Accessible read, like that he spoke from his personal experience as well as his experiences through work. This kind of advice is needed alongside better funded mental health services, not everyone will be in the right place to hear the personal responsibility stuff and it may feel jarring in certain contexts. Lost another star for me when idealising live aid - still, a good book to keep you in a mindset of self improvement!
What I appreciate most about this book is the author's respect towards medicine and acknowledgement that the book will not replace therapy and pharmacology. It is a relief in the self-help field where authors claim that avocados, yoga, and walks in nature cure depression and if it's not the case with you, you're doing it wrong or simply don't want it enough. Owen O'Kane often recommends working jointly with specialists and that makes him and his methods more trustworthy.
This book was amazing. Personally I decided to read through the whole thing once and then go back to the Chapters the really resonated with me and to the exercises and journal tasks. I loved the advice that was offered and the tone and pacing of the book made it really easy to read. This is probably the best self-help book I have read in a long time. I would totally recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a therapist but doesn't have the time or the money to visit one.
I’m not sure if I’m not in the right headspace for it or if I’ve just been in therapy too long but a lot of this book just felt like common sense. The points he makes for how to work through your concerns are valid, but they’re very basic.
For anyone not sure where to start in addressing issues from their past, it’s a good starter but it’s just fluff in my opinion.
I appreciated hearing some things I've learned before about happiness, overthinking, and negative self-talk. However, Owen does offer some new tips and thoughts for anyone seeking to improve their lives and their happiness. You absolutely are in control and responsible for your happiness. Thank you for the personal stories and case studies in this book. It's always (IMO) nice to know that we're not alone in this viscous cycle of keeping ourselves from what we can truly become.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such an easy read but with very important messages and practical strategies that you can put in place NOW to help you feel happier within different parts of your life. I particularly liked the chapters talking about things you can put in place to stop comparing yourself to others and to stop living in the future but live in the present instead
This book is written in simple language and contains some helpful strategies. I like that it's realistic and doesn't aim too high, but I don't like the mild swearing, because I think the author is trying too hard to sound like the guy next door. I wouldn't go writing home about this, but it does have some helpful tips.
I was drawn to this book by the title, as I thought who couldn't do with being ten times happier. I found it well written and an interesting read. It was very practical and well laid out and easy to understand in layman terms. I would definitely recommended it, and well worth a read.
The best book I’ve read about feeling happier some great techniques for controlling your brain rather than it controlling you wonderfully easy to read and I’ve ordered Ten to Zen to read as well this is truly the first book in this genre that I couldn’t wait to get back to if you really want to change the way you think and feel this is the one
‘Release me from the shackles of self-help books: a series.’ This one wasn’t that bad actually. Reasonable & well written tips for dealing with everyday anxiety induced negative thinking. Doesn’t come across as patronising or fluff. Short & easy to read. Also the audiobook reader’s Irish accent 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
Read it makes one think its has changed my thoughts
it makes one think,it has changed my thoughts ,I began to think about myself and happens, simplicity was the spot that got in the book ,it first got me out on the water padding my kayak and thinking in peace from their I smiled and realised what I needed to do, thank you
Although I’ve read a lot of similar books, it’s always interesting to hear it from a different perspective. Owen’s background in palliative care and psychotherapy helps to bring a different way to look at why we should really be trying harder to be happier. Some of the same old suggestions, but also some new ideas and techniques to think about 🤩🤩