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Someone loaned me Building a Non Anxious Life by John Delony. No prompting. No hints. Which raises an obvious question. Is my anxiety that obvious? Probably yes. Uhhh…thanks for the book!? But as an anxious dad, I welcomed the read. I’ve been friends with anxiety for a long time. Not close friends, but the kind who keep showing up uninvited. I’m always on the lookout for tools that help me cope, keep stress at bay, and maybe quiet my brain for five minutes.
My Building a Non-Anxious Life review:
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Where to Get It
Available in multiple formats, depending on how you like to read (or listen).
- 🎧 Audiobook (Indie Option): Listen on Libro.fm
- 🎧 Audiobook (Amazon Option): Listen on Audible
- 📚 Support Local Bookstores: Buy from Bookshop.org
- 📦 Amazon (Paperback/Kindle): View on Amazon
Building a Non Anxious Life Summary
Building a Non‑Anxious Life is about lowering anxiety by changing how you live inside it. John Delony argues that anxiety isn’t a personal flaw or a glitch you need to “fix.” It’s often a signal that something in your daily life is out of alignment. The book focuses on practical, repeatable choices that gradually turn the volume down.
At the center of the book are six daily choices you make every day, whether you realize it or not. There were helpful graphic reminders throughout that kept my attention!
The 6 Daily Choices
1. Reality
Facing what’s actually happening, not what your anxious brain is predicting. Anxiety thrives on imagined futures and half-truths.
2. Connection
Choosing people over isolation. Anxiety loves secrecy and loneliness. Real connection with friends, family, or community interrupts that cycle.
3. Freedom
Letting go of what you can’t control. Anxiety feeds on obligation and people-pleasing.
4. Mindfulness
Paying attention to the present moment instead of replaying the past or catastrophizing the future. This includes slowing down, breathing, and noticing what’s happening right now.
5. Health and Healing
Caring for your body. Sleep, movement, nutrition, and addressing unresolved trauma all matter.
6. Belief
Deciding what you believe about yourself, others, and the world. Anxiety often grows out of beliefs rooted in fear or shame. Healthier beliefs create stability.
Want some funny books about mental health? Here’s a roundup of funny mental health books.
Who is Dr John Delony?
Dr. John Delony is an American author, counselor, educator, and mental health expert best known for his work on anxiety, relationships, and wellness. He holds two PhDs (counselor education and higher education administration) and spent over two decades in counseling, crisis response, and higher education. He joined Ramsey Solutions (DAVE Ramsey) in 2020, where he teaches on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Delony is the host of The Dr. John Delony Show podcast, and he frequently appears on The Ramsey Show and other media discussing mental health strategies. His books include Redefining Anxiety, Own Your Past, Change Your Future, and Building a Non-Anxious Life (the one you’re reading about now.)
Find Dr John Delony here:
Check out some of my favorite personal growth books.
Now onto the rating! Building a Non Anxious Life Book Review:
Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 4/5
I liked Building a Non-Anxious Life by John Delony. The most helpful idea was that anxiety itself isn’t the enemy. It’s the alarm, signaling that something is off. Loneliness, feeling unsafe, being unhealthy, or stuck in a bad environment or relationship. Delony offers a practical, compassionate framework for living better with anxiety. Some ideas felt familiar, which keeps this at a four instead of a five. But still a solid, helpful read.
Things I liked:
- “Rumination and worry are a total waste of your time.” – Dr John Delony
- Anxiety is just the alarm. It’s your body’s way of trying to get your attention to fix something.
- Delony is funny. And humor helps deliver his key points (at least for me!)
Things I didn’t like:
- Didn’t immediately fix my anxiety forever. Come on, Delony, you have 2 PhDs! I expect better.
Still curious? Here are your options again:
- 🎧 Audiobook (Indie Option): Listen on Libro.fm
- 🎧 Audiobook (Amazon Option): Listen on Audible
- 📚 Support Local Bookstores: Buy from Bookshop.org
- 📦 Amazon (Paperback/Kindle): View on Amazon
Got any good mental health book recs? Drop your suggestions in the comments!
