At last, there's good news for those who haven't been able to follow the simple plan of noted psychologist/singer Bobby McFerrin (Step one: "Don't worry, be happy!" Step 2: Repeat.) Edward M. Hallowell, author of Driven To Distraction, tells a studio audience that excessive worry is both toxic to the system and treatable. Today, we are susceptible to toxic worry from two major sources: rapid technological change and the sense of living in a disconnected society. This sense of "being alone" leads Hallowell into the opening step of his 5-step plan for alleviating excessive worry, namely: "never worry alone." People should also get the facts, make a plan, and practice good brain maintenance (proper sleep, nutrition, exercise and quiet time), so that they can ultimately learn to let it go. Hallowell is a polished presenter, whose easy conversational tone (no overblown infomercial hypertalk here) is comforting and often entertaining. I especially enjoyed the true story of one Larry Walters, an L.A. resident who decided he wanted to fly just above his neighborhood. Larry attached weather balloons to his lawn chair, grabbed sandwiches and beer, and cut the cord...only to suddenly find himself 14,000 feet in the air. Talk about a worrisome situation (he was safely rescued). Worry reminds us that worry is hardwired into our systems ("You don't want to worry? Be a plant"), and offers a solid program for keeping it under control. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)
Worry
(1999) 71 min. $24.98. Wellspring Media (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. ISBN: 1-58350-009-X. Vol. 14, Issue 4
Worry
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