Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay

Big Feelings is a book that helps readers understand and manage their emotions, offering strategies for turning big emotions into manageable ones and finding comfort and a sense of agency. It weaves surprising science with personal stories and original illustrations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: Canongate Books

Big Feelings: Overcoming the Fear of Big Emotions and Finding the Courage to Live Your Life on Your Terms is a book that aims to help individuals who feel overwhelmed by intense emotions that they cannot predict or control. Written by Adam Grant, the book offers practical strategies and insights to help readers understand and manage their emotions, find comfort, and face the future with a sense of agency.
The book begins by exploring the nature of big emotions and how they can impact our lives. Grant explains that big emotions are a natural part of being human and that they can be both positive and negative. However, many people feel intimidated by their emotions and struggle to find ways to manage them effectively.

One of the key strategies that Grant discusses is the importance of understanding what is behind our emotions. He explains that many of our emotions are triggered by past experiences, beliefs, and values, and that by understanding these underlying factors, we can better manage our reactions. For example, if we feel angry, Grant suggests that we should try to identify the root cause of our anger and communicate it productively without putting people on the defensive.

Another strategy that Grant discusses is the importance of setting boundaries. He explains that many of us feel overwhelmed by the demands of our lives and that we need to set boundaries to protect ourselves from burnout. Grant suggests that we should set realistic goals, prioritize our time, and take breaks when we need them.

The book also includes personal stories and original illustrations to help readers connect with the material. Grant shares his own experiences with big emotions and how he has learned to manage them effectively. He also includes stories from other individuals who have faced similar challenges.

One of the strengths of Big Feelings is its ability to provide practical strategies that can be applied to everyday life. Grant offers a range of strategies for managing emotions, including mindfulness, meditation, and exercise. He also provides tips for dealing with difficult situations, such as job loss, relationship problems, and health issues.

However, some critics have argued that Big Feelings is too simplistic and that it does not address the underlying causes of big emotions. They argue that while mindfulness and meditation can be helpful, they are not enough to address the root causes of big emotions.

In response to these criticisms, Grant has argued that his book is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of big emotions. He believes that it is important to address the underlying causes of big emotions, but that it is also important to provide practical strategies that can be applied to everyday life.

One of the challenges that Grant faces in writing about big emotions is the stigma that surrounds them. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed about their emotions and are reluctant to seek help. Grant argues that this stigma is harmful and that it prevents people from getting the help that they need.

To address this stigma, Grant has worked to promote awareness of big emotions and to provide resources for individuals who are struggling with them. He has written articles for publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and he has spoken at conferences and events around the world.

In addition to his writing, Grant has also been involved in research on big emotions. He has conducted studies on the impact of big emotions on decision-making, creativity, and productivity, and he has found that big emotions can have both positive and negative effects.

One of the key findings of Grant's research is that big emotions can be a source of creativity and innovation. He has found that individuals who are able to manage their emotions effectively are more likely to be creative and to come up with new ideas. However, Grant also found that big emotions can be a source of stress and anxiety, and that they can lead to poor decision-making.

To address these negative effects, Grant has developed a range of strategies for managing emotions. He suggests that individuals should practice mindfulness, meditation, and exercise, and that they should set boundaries and prioritize their time. He also suggests that individuals should seek support from others, such as friends, family, or a mental health professional.

In conclusion, Big Feelings: Overcoming the Fear of Big Emotions and Finding the Courage to Live Your Life on Your Terms is a book that aims to help individuals who feel overwhelmed by intense emotions that they cannot predict or control. Written by Adam Grant, the book offers practical strategies and insights to help readers understand and manage their emotions, find comfort, and face the future with a sense of agency. While some critics have argued that the book is too simplistic, Grant has argued that it is important to address the underlying causes of big emotions while also providing practical strategies that can be applied to everyday life. By promoting awareness of big emotions and providing resources for individuals who are struggling with them, Grant is helping to break the stigma that surrounds them and to improve the lives of many people.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838858537
Edition number: Main