Change Your Life By Taming 10 of Your Mind's Greatest Fears

The Uncomfortable Truth

'Gently challenging, deeply empowering,' Julia Samuel, Sunday Times bestselling author of This Too Shall Pass"Some people don’t like me”“Bad things will happen to people I love”“I’m going to fail”… these words underpinned my anxieties and nightmares. I bet they feature in yours too.Our fears are anchored in the unavoidable truths of life; all things reach an end, bad things happen, and we lack the control we crave.As an experienced psychotherapist, who’s had years of therapy, I realised that ploughing endless energy into trying to control the uncontrollable is keeping us all tired, wired, and worried. Ignoring fears doesn’t make them less true, it makes them more powerful. I decided to try a different tact and it changed my world.Instead of doing everything I could to ease and avoid life’s uncomfortable truths, I sought a deeper acceptance of them. Through using this approach, my clients and I discovered that fear began to loosen its grip. We were living more intentionally and peacefully.So, face your fears one chapter at a time, and discover who you are without worry, doubt and people-pleasing holding you back.

'Have you got in my head? This book makes me feel like I'm back in the driving seat of life.'

Louise Thompson, author of Lucky: Learning to live again

'This is a necessity in your life. I absolutely loved it. Because it's everything I believe in and so much more.'

'Anna wrote this book as a stream of consciousness that just poured out of her. It's full of really insightful tools that help put things in perspective.'

Julia Bradbury, author of Walk Yourself Happy

'I can’t put it down, learning through every page. I didn’t realise how much I needed this book. Thank you Anna.'

'I love how the book approaches these truths, with the right balance of gritty realness and gentle compassion required. It’s a powerful resource and one that will make such a difference'

'Anna Mathur does it again - a perfect dose of practical and digestible therapy in a beautiful book. It's a friend and a professional in book form. Realistic and empowering discussion of uncomfortable truths with all of the compassion we know and love Anna for.'

Anna Mathur is a psychotherapist and bestselling author. She's passionate about taking therapy beyond the consulting room, sharing honest, supportive insights drawn from her personal and professional experience. She offers encouragement through her books, Instagram (@annamathur), online courses, in-person events and her podcast, The Therapy Edit, which has reached over four million downloads. Anna also works with corporate organisations to support mental wellbeing and regularly share her thoughts in national media, including TV, radio and press.

The instant Sunday Times top ten bestseller 
 
'Gently challenging, deeply empowering,' Julia Samuel, Sunday Times bestselling author of This Too Shall Pass 
 
 
‘Some people don’t like me”“Bad things will happen to people I love”“I’m going to fail” 
 … these words underpinned my anxieties and nightmares. I bet they feature in yours too. 
 Our fears are anchored in the unavoidable truths of life; all things reach an end, bad things happen, and we lack the control we crave. 
 As an experienced psychotherapist, who’s had years of therapy, I realised that ploughing endless energy into trying to control the uncontrollable is keeping us all tired, wired, and worried. Ignoring fears doesn’t make them less true, it makes them more powerful. I decided to try a different tack and it changed my world. 
 Instead of doing everything I could to ease and avoid life’s uncomfortable truths, I sought a deeper acceptance of them. Through using this approach, my clients and I discovered that fear began to loosen its grip. We were living more intentionally and peacefully. 
 So, face your fears one a chapter at a time, and discover who you are without worry, doubt and people-pleasing holding you back.

How to Find Balance, Feel Good and See Your Children Flourish as a Result.

Raising A Happier Mother

THE PERFECT, THOUGHTFUL GIFT FOR THE MUM IN YOUR LIFE! 
 
This isn't a parenting book. 
This isn't a guide to being a perfect parent (spoiler: they don't exist) 
This is a book about you. 
 
We can only anchor, nurture, nourish and instill confidence in our children when we extend the same support to ourselves. After all, how can we effectively tend to our children's needs when our energy reserves are depleted? How can we lead by example and teach our children the importance of healthy self-esteem if we are struggling with these things ourselves? There are a thousand and one ways to parent, and only one way that's authentic for you. 
 
Drawing on her work as a psychotherapist, alongside her own experiences as a mother, Anna shows that caring with our children begins with caring for ourselves, and it's time to replace exhaustion with empowerment. Far from being selfish, self-care is an essential quality of a happier mother good parent. The greatest gift you can give to to yourself and your children, is to give yourself permission to thrive.

Lightbulb moments that will change the course of your motherhood

Five years into my parenting journey, Anna's warm words continue to sooth and hearten me. And best of all, sometimes I get to pass them onto other mums and look super wise.

This is such an important book that every mother would benefit from having on their shelf. It's true that what a child really needs is a happy mother, and whilst self care can often end up at the bottom of our list, a mother taking time to focus on herself and fulfil her own needs should be high priority.

This guide to becoming your most authentic parenting self is a breath of fresh air in a world full of judgment. If you've ever fallen foul of mum-guilt, this book will change your life.

With her warmth and wisdom, Anna makes today's often overwhelmed parents feel seen and less alone.

How to Be the Mum You Want to Be unpicks the myth of perfect motherhood and reframes what 'a good mother' looks like. Using her own experience as a mum combined with therapy expertise, psychotherapist Anna Mathur provides a toolkit for becoming a calmer, more patient and more resilient mum. 
 
Dismantling how mums come to set impossible expectations of themselves, the book offers evidence-based therapy guidance and tackles taboo subjects such as maternal rage and intrusive thoughts in depth and detail. Anna will compassionately but firmly empower mums with practical ways to learn to trust their gut, see how well they are doing, set realistic standards - and to define which standards are actually important - and therefore see what a great mum they already are. 
 
Each chapter provides strategies for reframing 'competency' in motherhood, to take the pressure off and focus on the issues that truly matter. Containing case studies, journaling prompts and tools that are simple to implement even when sleep deprived. This book will help mums understand that they are the best mum they can be, they just need to see it.

An A-Z of Warm Words for Every Motherhood Emotion

The Little Book of New Mum Feelings

This book is the perfect, thoughtful gift for new mums! 
 
The Little Book of New Mum Feelings will share advice and support on issues that new mothers face, from A for Anger, to I for Insomnia, providing an empowering pep talk for those days when new mothers need it most. 
 
Psychotherapist and mother of three, Anna Mathur, will support readers through the rollercoaster of feelings that come with being a new mum and provide expert advice based on her own professional and personal experiences. Whether you need some quick grounding, a note of compassion, or you want to untangle a feeling, flick to a page for a quick, uplifting moment of much-needed support. 
 
There are quick takeaway mantras and action tips for those tight on time, and further reading should you want to explore topics more deeply. This comprehensive A-Z covers everything from baby blues and anxiety to guilt, insomnia, stress, your inner critic and maintaining friendships.

Grounding words for the highs, the lows and the moments in between

The Little Book of Calm for New Mums

'A beautiful and informative companion of a book... Her compassion and guidance for a mother's mental health is invaluable' Giovanna Fletcher 
 
'An essential read for new mums' Fearne Cotton 
____________________________ 
 
The Little Book of Calm for New Mums will share advice and support on issues that new mothers face, from A for Anger, to I for Insomnia, providing an empowering pep talk for those days when new mothers need it most. 
 
Psychotherapist and mother of three, Anna Mathur, will support readers through the rollercoaster of feelings that come with being a new mum and provide expert advice based on her own professional and personal experiences. Whether you need some quick grounding, a note of compassion, or you want to untangle a feeling, flick to a page for a quick, uplifting moment of much-needed support. 
 
There are quick takeaway mantras and action tips for those tight on time, and further reading should you want to explore topics more deeply. This comprehensive A-Z covers everything from baby blues and anxiety to guilt, insomnia, stress, your inner critic and maintaining friendships. 
____________________________ 
 
'Anna's kind and grounding words provide the perfect companion for new mums' Sarah Turner, AKA The Unmumsy Mum

'A beautiful and informative companion of a book that'll help keep you grounded and present in the moments that often feel overwhelming. I found myself noting uplifting quotes I know will come in useful as mantras when needed. Anna has always been, and continues to be, a woman I take so much wisdom from. Her compassion and guidance for a mother's mental health is invaluable'

'This lovely book offers little gems of support, helping us to be in the moment and reminding us to direct some of our maternal love to ourselves. Anna Mathur's empathy and wise insight makes this an essential read for new mums'

'Like having a reassuring chat with a wise friend, Anna's kind and grounding words provide the perfect companion for new mums making sense of their vast - and at times, conflicting! - feelings'

Suzy Reading, Clinical Psychologist and bestselling author of The Self-Care Revolution

'This book is going to be a lifeline for new mums. Anna has an incredible gift of offering not only her professional expertise but also love, perspective and compassion - often in just one sentence. This book is a much needed gift to the world'

'A comforting and reassuring book to help you navigate those tricky early years'

Helen Thorn, one half of the Scummy Mummies

'Anna's Little Book of Calm for New Mums feels like such a reassuring and necessary companion for motherhood. Broken down into the feelings and emotions that are sometimes hard to decipher when we're in the throes of parenting, Anna has such a wonderful way of bringing comfort, clarity and insight to many of the overwhelming challenges new mums can find themselves up against. The book is accessible and written with the wisdom of an expert but the love and compassion of a friend, and I think that's what makes it such a valuable resource on the rollercoaster of motherhood'

Hollie de Cruz, bestselling author of Your Baby, Your Birth and Motherhood Your Way

'Such a brilliant idea for a book. Anna's punchy chapters are like bite sized pep talks which make it incredibly accessible and unbelievably comforting for overwhelmed new mums. Like getting the most brilliant advice from your wisest and warmest friend. I wish I'd had this book when I had newborn'

Ellie-Jane Taylor, Actor, Comedian, TV presenter and author of My Child and Other Mistakes

'Anna's a consistent source of relatable, practical and reassuring advice when it comes to navigating the mental health challenges of motherhood. Packed with soothing words to validate the messy emotions that come with being a mum, along with useful quick tips to help bring calm to the chaos, this book is a gem of support. A must-have for every bookshelf and baby-change bag!'

Molly Forbes, TV presenter and author of Body Happy Kids

The Little Book of Calm for New Mums will share advice and support on issues that new mothers face, from A for Anger, to I for Insomnia, providing an empowering pep talk for those days when new mothers need it most. 
 
Psychotherapist and mother of three, Anna Mathur, will support readers through the rollercoaster of feelings that come with being a new mum and provide expert advice based on her own professional and personal experiences. Whether you need some quick grounding, a note of compassion, or you want to untangle a feeling, flick to a page for a quick, uplifting moment of much-needed support. 
 
There are quick takeaway mantras and action tips for those tight on time, and further reading should you want to explore topics more deeply. This comprehensive A-Z covers everything from baby blues and anxiety to guilt, insomnia, stress, your inner critic and maintaining friendships.

A compassionate guide to rage, regulation and repair

How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love (As Well As the Ones You Don’t)

You didn’t used to be like this. The sharp words, the slammed drawers, the guilt that follows. You tell yourself to hold it together, but somehow, you keep finding yourself back here. 
Psychotherapist and bestselling author Anna Mathur knows that moment well. One evening, hot and exhausted in her kitchen as her children argued and whined, she felt the heat rise up and spill out in a shout that left her shaken and ashamed. That moment became the spark for this book. 
What if your anger isn’t bad, and it isn’t something you need to get rid of? 
For too long, we’ve been told to bottle it up, to keep smiling, to push it down. But anger is normal. Anger is necessary. And when you learn to understand it, it can become one of your greatest allies. 
In How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love, Anna helps you see rage not as shameful or dangerous, but as a signal pointing to your unmet needs, crossed boundaries and emotional overload. Through gentle insight and practical tools, she shows how to catch it sooner, recover faster, repair more deeply and use its energy for change instead of destruction. 
Because anger doesn’t mean you're broken, it makes you human. And when you learn to listen to it, it can become your greatest source of clarity, compassion and connection.

You didn’t used to be like this. 
The sharp words, the slammed drawers, the guilt that follows. You tell yourself to hold it together, but somehow, you keep finding yourself back here.Psychotherapist and bestselling author Anna Mathur knows that moment well. One evening, hot and exhausted in her kitchen as her children argued and whined, she felt the heat rise up and spill out in a shout that left her shaken and ashamed. That moment became the spark for this book.What if your anger isn’t bad, and it isn’t something you need to get rid of?For too long, we’ve been told to bottle it up, to keep smiling, to push it down. But anger is normal. Anger is necessary. And when you learn to understand it, it can become one of your greatest allies.In How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love, Anna helps you see rage not as shameful or dangerous, but as a signal pointing to your unmet needs, crossed boundaries and emotional overload. Through gentle insight and practical tools, she shows how to catch it sooner, recover faster, repair more deeply and use its energy for change instead of destruction.Because anger doesn’t mean you're broken, it makes you human. And when you learn to listen to it, it can become your greatest source of clarity, compassion and connection.

Anna Mathur

Anna Mathur asks just the right questions to stop us sleepwalking through life, getting what matters most to us front and centre, without the usual self-flagellation. Her prompts and approach help us become our own accountability partner, brainstorming new ways of responding to life and self

Anna's diary made me feel supported and seen, but crucially also, gently challenged. Her honest encouraging words prompt a realistic personal accountability with grace and understanding at the core. As always with Anna's writing, it left me feeling uplifted and understood

Anna guides us safely and expertly through our inner dialogue and our outer worlds

A reassuring and comforting read, offering immediately actionable insights. It stands as a guiding star in a world filled with infinite choices and indecision

The Good Decision Diary offers a reflective, low-pressure approach to personal growth. It's designed as a daily guide for those looking to untangle habits and better understand their inner voice, with more gentleness than the typical fix-yourself-fast approach

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Neuroscientist and author of Tiny Experiments

Anna provides a transformative approach to personal growth. This book is an essential companion for anyone looking to make meaningful changes with kindness and self-awareness

Compassionate, real, and quietly powerful. Anna gives you permission to stop chasing perfection and instead start making progress that actually sticks

Simon Gilham, author of Stop Lying to Yourself

This book is like a dear, wise friend who knows you, gets you, believes in you and is wholeheartedly committed to helping you grow. Like any dear friend, keep it close

Your daily guide to making better decisions, more of the time

I'll never eat sugar again! 
I’ll work out every single morning! 
I will never, ever shout at my kids! 
 
Sound familiar? Anna Mathur, Sunday Times bestselling author and psychotherapist, has been there too. In The Good Decision Diary, Anna introduces a compassionate and realistic alternative to unsustainable promises. This isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress.The journey begins with 21 days of reflection and observation, where Anna shares her own experiences and equips you with tools to approach change with kindness and curiosity.From there, she gently guides you through a 14-day practice of questioning behaviours, challenging long-held beliefs about change, and identifying patterns of self-sabotage. You’ll discover how a decision that nurtures you one day can hinder you the next - and how to tell the difference in the moment.The Good Decision Diary will help you make better decisions, not all of the time, but more of the time.

The Good Decision Diary

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The perfect gift? A Penguin Shop gift card

Anna Mathur

Praise for The Good Decision Diary

Anna Mathur asks just the right questions to stop us sleepwalking through life, getting what matters most to us front and centre, without the usual self-flagellation. Her prompts and approach help us become our own ...

Anna's diary made me feel supported and seen, but crucially also, gently challenged. Her honest encouraging words prompt a realistic personal accountability with grace and understanding at the core. As always with A ...

Anna guides us safely and expertly through our inner dialogue and our outer worlds

Anna Mathur asks just the right questions to stop us sleepwalking through life, getting what matters most to us front and centre, without the usual self-flagellation. Her prompts and approach help us become our own ...

Anna's diary made me feel supported and seen, but crucially also, gently challenged. Her honest encouraging words prompt a realistic personal accountability with grace and understanding at the core. As always with A ...

Anna guides us safely and expertly through our inner dialogue and our outer worlds

Anna Mathur asks just the right questions to stop us sleepwalking through life, getting what matters most to us front and centre, without the usual self-flagellation. Her prompts and approach help us become our own ...

Anna's diary made me feel supported and seen, but crucially also, gently challenged. Her honest encouraging words prompt a realistic personal accountability with grace and understanding at the core. As always with A ...

Anna guides us safely and expertly through our inner dialogue and our outer worlds

Books by Anna Mathur

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