Those of a certain age may recall the classic 1988 tune "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin. It's certainly a valuable manta as business management becomes an increasingly stressful occupation.

If singing isn't your thing then the book "How Not to Worry" by Paul McGee offers an alternative to eradicate our anxiety and stop us worrying. With his expertise as a psychologist and experience from working with pharmaceuticals giant Glaxo-Smith Kline and the UK National Health Service; he provides the proverbial chill-pill.

"How Not To Worry" is a humorous and common sense approach to help those who seem programmed to worry. The author explores the nature of worry, ways to reduce it and why it can sometimes be helpful. The book is split into two sections that utilize McGee's "SUMO" (Shut Up, Move On) format and introduces a new philosophy: "Stop, Understand, Move On".

In section one we are told to "Stop, Understand" and challenge our worries to reduce anxiety or we risk worry becoming our default setting. Then in section two, McKee examines why we worry, exploring a range of factors such as a lack of influence over change, wallowing in worry and overexposure to "bad news". He shows us how to use a certain degree of worry to spur us on towards constructive action and leave the anxiety behind.

Helpful suggestions to manage worry include making your environment friendly, preparing for impending change, diet, exercise, avoid people who 'escalate' bad news, have realistic expectations, organize and prioritize. This is underpinned by his "Triple A" strategy that includes:

o Awareness about your worries, what are you worrying about.
o Analyze your worries to understand what is within your control.
o Action to address them.

The vital questions are: Where is this issue on the scale of one to 10? And how important will it be in six months? There are two types of worry: one that motivates you into taking remedial action and worthless worry about something that might never happen.

Each chapter concludes with a summary of key points, supported with anecdotes and exercises to help us deal with nagging worries. However, this is not therapy and for those requiring professional support other resources are cited.

'How Not To Worry' will appeal to anyone concerned about work-related stress and wants to improve their well-being. It's enough to make you break into song!

o "How Not To Worry" by Paul McGee and published by Capstone.

Keith Appleton JP, BA (Hons), N.Dip.M, MInstLM has extensive experience within an academic, managerial and strategic leadership role. He is a member of the UK Institute of Leadership & Management and can be contacted at KeithAppleton@Hotmail.co.uk

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