Review
Audible has consistently presented itself as a unique platform for book consumption, in my view. I do however encounter difficulty in determining the right moment to engage with an audiobook; I consistently struggle to establish a rhythm, resulting in significant time or information loss. Nevertheless, I have committed myself to discovering my audiobook rhythm and to optimally utilise Audible. I believe setting this goal is highly advantageous as it will cultivate a more attentive listening habit in me, especially for when I focus on other tasks.
This leaves me feeling that subscription services like audible are inherently useful if utilised efficiently.
More often than not, I find myself scrolling through the Audible Plus selection, comprising “free” content available with a monthly membership. “Be Calm” was one such title. My continued interest in understanding anxiety and its management has escalated over the past year, as my relationship with anxiety has evolved. I possess an enduring curiosity about mental health management. So it was with this considered that I included “Be Calm” on my tbr (or should I say tbl) list and endeavored to consume it.
“Be Calm” delves into personal strategies for use in daily life, for oneself or for assisting others, provided they are willing to be helped. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to comprehending how’s and why’s of anxiety and offering tools to navigate associated emotions and experiences. It explores anxiety not merely as a crisis but as a bodily response to anticipate and prepare for; to prevent adverse events. The book talks a lot about the distinction between genuine crises and those induced by anxieties, offering guidance on navigating such scenarios.
At its core, “Be Calm” advocates for decent pre-planning for challenging days, to facilitate a deeper understanding of your own responses, actions, and needs. This approach makes space for a sense of tranquility and preparedness, particularly for individuals perpetually on high alert. I found the advice, tips, and tools provided invaluable and believe it possible that they can foster a more serene existence, empowering individuals to manage anxiety effectively.
Unfortunately, “Be Calm” was not devoid of glaring flaws, primarily the insipid use of robotic narration. The delivery’s cadence and flow often felt unmanageably unnatural, I often felt I was listening to an infomercial rather than a self-help guide. Individuals sensitive to tonal nuances or uncanny-valley sounds may find themselves frustrated or entirely disengaged. The artificial nature of the voice created a dissonance that detracted from the accessibility of the subject matter, compromising the intention: self-help. The audiobook medium also proved less than ideal for a title featuring activities requiring listener engagement. It may be advisable for audiobook versions of such titles to provide supplemental resources, enabling a more hands-on participation.
In conclusion, despite its shortcomings, “Be Calm” was an educational resource that fulfilled its intended purpose. It offers valuable tools and insights into a condition that significantly impacts people, sometimes in debilitating ways. I felt it was a worthwhile resource for me, and would be helpful for anyone grappling with anxiety or seeking to comprehend the experiences of loved ones.
Reply