How to be Happy (or at Least Less Sad): A Creative Journal

This is not your usual self-help book. It's a creative workbook that invites you to draw, write, and reflect on your emotions. With an honest and accessible approach, Lee Crutchley guides you through exercises that explore happiness, sadness, and everything in between. Ideal for those seeking practical tools for emotional well-being.

How can this creative workbook help you?

Unlike traditional books, this workbook asks you to actively participate. Each page offers a different exercise: from doodling your worries to writing letters to your future self. It's not about eliminating sadness, but about understanding and living with it. The creative process helps you externalize thoughts and gain perspective.

An approach backed by experience

Lee Crutchley, designer and illustrator, has created a method that combines simplicity and depth. The book features a foreword by Oliver Burkeman, a journalist and author renowned for his reflections on happiness and productivity. This collaboration adds an extra layer of credibility and depth to the content.

What will you find within its pages?

The book is structured as a series of prompts and blank spaces. There are no long theoretical paragraphs, but invitations to action. Some examples: "Draw your anxiety as a monster," "Write three things that made you smile today," or "Color this mandala while thinking about what worries you." Each exercise is designed to be completed in a few minutes, ideal for integrating into your daily routine.

Reader reviews

Those who have used this workbook highlight its sincerity and its ability to make them feel understood. Many appreciate that it doesn't try to sell an unrealistic happiness, but offers a safe space to explore difficult emotions. The combination of creativity and psychology has been especially valued by people who are skeptical of conventional self-help books.

Who is it suitable for?

This book is for anyone going through a difficult time, anxiety, or simply wanting to get to know themselves better. No prior art or writing experience is required. It is especially useful for those who prefer a practical and visual approach, away from long readings. It also makes an excellent gift for friends or family who are going through a difficult stage.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an artist to use this book?

No. The exercises are designed for anyone, regardless of their artistic ability. The process is what matters, not the result.

How much time should I dedicate to it each day?

There is no fixed rule. You can complete an exercise in 5 minutes or dedicate more time if you wish. Ideally, you should establish a routine, but the book adapts to your pace.

Does this book replace therapy?

No. This workbook is a complementary tool that can help you reflect, but it does not replace the help of a mental health professional.

Remember: this book is a creative guide to exploring your emotions. If you are experiencing a severe crisis, seek professional support.