Mindfulness is not a new concept although it’s been highlighted in western culture in recent years as being the next ‘best way to stop anxiety and depression’. It's right that Ruby should read this herself as she is so immersed in the subject, and she relates the struggle it was for her to complete the book during a very serious period of depression. Although known as a comedienne, this is Ruby as a real private woman and her voice can range from the high, fast zassy Personal Story narratives throughout, to soft, beaten down, struggling human being. Yes, it is true that research into mindfulness on depression and anxiety is limited as of yet however those who practice it can vouch for its effectiveness. One of the beauties of mindfulness is, you don’t need and equipment and you can do it starting from today without ever having previous experience. Wax provides step-by-step guides to mindfulness practise that you can do daily - including practise for those if us with busy and active lives (or those who are not 100% taken by the idea of mindfulness). She also provides guidance on how to introduce this practise to your children and teenagers. There is also a realisic guide for parents (and how to snatch those moments of mindfulness wihin the self chaotic family life). Ruby has a real human ability to tell it how it is and connect with the reader on a base level. Giving that she herself has gone through ups and downs in her life, she is able to create not just an informative book on the science of mindfulness but also an entertaining one.

Although, it doesn’t have all the answers (and no book ever will) Ruby Wax’s Frazzled will guide you in the right direction. If you enjoy the practice of mindfulness, you can then build on what you learn in this book. Ruby Wax A Mindfulness Guide For The Frazzled Review

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Wax has warmed up now and is engaging and chatty. We talk a bit about the voices in our heads, and how they are mostly negative. “For us, taking a compliment is like taking a punch,” she says. “I’ve never had a thought in my head that says ‘what a wonderful thing you are doing and may I say how attractive you are looking today’. Stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself you’re amazing and you’ll be depressed before you know it.” I personally wanted to learn how to de-frazzle and, even more urgently, find a method to defuse my depression. After much research, I found out mindfulness and cognitive therapy (called MBCT) had the best results, as far as empirical evidence goes, in dealing with stress, depression and anxiety. The word mindfulness gives me the same vibes as dream-catchers and lentils, but Oxford University offers a master’s programme in MBCT so I thought there must be something to it. So I took the course, wrote my dissertation, spun it with comedy and boom, then got a book and show out of it. That’s killing multiple birds with one stone. It is impossible to deny her enthusiasm and personal trauma, her will to be well and compassion for fellow sufferers.” – Helen Davies, Sunday Times (paywall) Buy the book

I believe that if more people in the public eye can open up and share how they feel without feeling ashamed, it helps people like us who feel like we’re the only ones going through it. This manual for living must be read by everyone Peter Fonagy, Freud Memorial Professor of Psychoanalysis at UCL on 'Sane New World' She can make your ribs ache with laughter [and then] wrench your head round to see the darkness in the world and how to deal with it. No-one deserves to be recognised more... I adore her. Joanna Lumley on 'Sane New World' The Calming, Remedial Influence of Mindfulness — Mindfulness is a wonderful life skill. This blog gives a brief introduction to mindfulness.

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Frazzled shouldn’t be confused with stress. We need stress – otherwise no oomph, and no oomph means no civilisation. We never would have stood up on two legs without it –still an impossible feat in six-inch heels. Frazzled is a whole new thing: being stressed about being stressed, usually for something we’ve manufactured in our heads. Unanswerable concepts, like: “Why am I a failure?” Not even Einstein had an answer to that one. Wax is careful to remind us that mindfulness isn’t just about “sitting in a chair marinating in your own thoughts and loving yourself.” Conversely, she emphasises the need to relinquish self-obsession and start thinking in more communal terms.

Ruby Wax arrived in Britain in 1977 to pursue an acting career. She says "I really could never find my niche. I was a terrible actress, I couldn't sing, I couldn't do characters, I couldn't do an English accent and I lived in England, so I was narrowing it down". A key area Ruby likes to explore in this book is the idea that modern life has caused us to become stressed, anxious and depressed. It’s written in a way that’s relatable and you’ll find yourself saying ‘ah, yes I totally get that!’ In my book I present my own six-week mindfulness course with the blessing of Mark Williams, my professor at Oxford and co-creator of MBCT. With my programme you don’t have to perch on a gluten-free cushion, you can do the exercises anywhere, anytime; in the gym while pumping the pecs, or while eating a chocolate-chip cookie (or both at the same time).Ruby Wax has written a guide to mindfulness that's as hilarious as it is useful. Drawing on the latest science, she offers insightful, irreverent advice on how to improve every aspect of our lives, from our health and happiness to our relationships and careers. -- Arianna Huffington If the idea of mindfulness has always seemed a bit wishy-washy, you'll be pleased to know Ruby Wax once felt the same way. Now the comedienne has written a guide to mindfulness that is a sensible way to cope with stress Yours Magazine A slight criticism can be directed at Wax’s somewhat volatile tenor. Much of the book is written in a conversational tone, which contrasts to the sections relating neurological findings. Her jokey, conversational style does make Frazzled more immediately accessible, but the attempted humour generally feels contrived.

Ruby Wax has an extraordinary mind, and she has brought it to bear with trademark wit and searing honesty... A ruby beyond price Stephen Fry on 'Sane New World' The book includes numerous anecdotes from her personal life and a large sprinkle of sarcasm and hyperbole, but it is grounded in the science of mindfulness. Ruby Wax is brave, generous and hilarious - the perfect guide on a tour of the brain -- Arianna Huffington on 'Sane New World' A study published by the University of Oxford consisting of 273 people (2013) showed that after just one month of following a mindfulness course they showed; A very funny book about how to be calm and poised and not bonkers -- Helen Fielding on 'Sane New World'Ruby] has turned her own experiences into a life-affirming message for others Sandi Toksvig on 'Sane New World' So witty, clever and accessible you'll be devouring every word... there's no better place to start than with this sparkling gem of a book Heat