Jo Usmar – författare

The perfect gift for your Friends-obsessed pals. We might not be able to meet at their favourite coffee spot, but Rachel, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe are (unofficially) here to help you to be the best friend you can be. A nostalgic and heart-warming homage to the world''s most popular sitcom, Friends for Life distils the wisdom of the TV series, providing readers with advice and practical tips for pivoting - sorry, perfecting - the art of friendship. Having a group of ride-or-die mates has never been more important, because when life kicks you in the teeth (especially if they''re luminous like Ross''s), you know they''ll help you come out stronger on the other side. This book takes lessons from the show on how to (and how not to) deal with issues such as living together, borrowing money, dating, arguments and knowing when to step-up or step away.With everything from actionable strategies, magazine-style quizzes, listicles and countdowns of the best cameos to the best insults, all beautifully emphasised with bespoke line illustrations, Friends for Life is the perfect book for new and returning fans alike.

''Take on January with new-found serenity with this series of self-help books'' StylistFind success in both your professional and your personal life.Success means different things to different people, yet there are essential key skills and knowledge that will help you to achieve your goals, whatever they are - be it progressing in your career, getting a pay rise, setting up your own business or negotiating Christmas dinner arrangements with your in-laws. This Book Will Make You Successful is a straight-talking and practical guide to getting what you want out of life. Using extensive research, plus interviews with professionals across all fields of expertise, Jo Usmar delivers strategies for becoming successful in both your work and your day-to-day life. This little book covers everything from networking, conflict resolution, stress management, productivity and being more persuasive, to not feeling like a fraud and moving on from setbacks. Prepare to feel both motivated and motivational, confident, productive and courageous. So many other books on ''success'' confine themselves to target-hitting and positive thinking. This is broader, hugely useful, and entertaining to read.Chapters include: goal-setting exercises, anti-procrastination techniques, stress management, persuasion strategies, negotiation tips, mistake management, productivity tools, creativity boosters, work-life balance, managing difficult conversations (and difficult people).Praise for the This Book Will series:''Top tips for making your life loads better.'' Cosmo''The answer to all my problems.'' Katie Piper

We all experience periods of feeling low, frustrated and lacking in energy - but ignoring the problem and struggling on can start to affect all areas of your life. Help is at hand: this concise little book shows you how you can reverse negative thoughts and emotions and make yourself happier and more confident. Dr Jessamy Hibberd and Jo Usmar draw on the very latest research in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and modern psychology to give you practical, proven techniques and exercises to combat low mood and, more importantly, increase your happiness, making you healthier and more fulfilled. Chapters include: Positive strategies, Controlling emotions, Rewarding yourself, Combating guilt, Better rest and sleep, Mental exercises, Breaking negative thought patterns, Relaxation techniques.

Life in the 21st century is tough - new technology, constant change, more choice and extra pressure all add to our stress levels. And when you''re stressed or tired your insecurities increase - so breaking that cycle feels impossible. But help is at hand: this book will show you how to beat stress and become more positive, relaxed and productive. Dr Jessamy Hibberd and Jo Usmar draw on the latest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) research to show you how to develop coping strategies and learn practical techniques to deal with stress and anxiety quickly and effectively. From reducing worry and boosting energy to breathing and mindfulness techniques, this helpful little book will make your life more serene, stress-free and fulfilled.

Have you ever felt like something is holding you back? That other people seem to breeze through life, but self-doubt and insecurity prevent you getting the things you want - at work, in family life or relationships? Well, fear not: no matter how low you feel it is possible to overcome vicious cycles in your mood and behaviour. This little book will allow you to change how you think. Dr Jessamy Hibberd and Jo Usmar will provide you with the tools to build your self-esteem and realise your full potential. With practical exercises and techniques based on the very latest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) research, their friendly results-driven approach will give you a new sense of confidence in every area of your life.

Break negative sleep patterns for better rest and happiness. We all go through patches when we find it hard to sleep. Either we have problems dropping off at night or we wake in the early hours with thoughts buzzing round in our minds. Sometimes it seems impossible to get that elusive night''s sleep we so badly crave, but this book will show you how to break negative patterns, get more rest and improve your wellbeing. Dr Jessamy Hibberd and Jo Usmar draw on the very latest developments in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and popular psychology, to guide you through proven techniques to help you get your sleep patterns back on track. You will feel rested, happier, and immediately reap the benefits in your everyday life.Praise for the This Book Will series:''Top tips for making your life loads better.'' Cosmo''The answer to all my problems.'' Katie Piper''Take on January with new-found serenity with this series of self-help books'' Stylist

Body image insecurities can affect your entire life. Constantly worrying about how you look can ruin your day-to-day experiences, curb your ambitions and make you feel you don''t measure up in some way. If this sounds familiar, it''s time to take action. This friendly book addresses the root causes of body image anxiety and breaks them down so you can start changing how you view yourself, your appearance and any difficulties you''re facing. You''ll learn how to stop destructive behaviours, limit self-criticism, manage emotional eating and see yourself differently. Dr Jessamy Hibberd and Jo Usmar use the latest CBT techniques with practical exercises to enable you to build your self-esteem so you''ll feel confident, self-assured and beautiful.Chapters include: Why Do We Hate the Way We Look?Cognitive Behavioural TherapyStopping Bad Body Image BehaviourFood for ThoughtJudgement DayFacing Your Fears

''Beat the blues with this pocket-sized guide to mindfulness and living in the moment.'' Stylist Live in the moment, make the most of today and feel happier and more fulfilled.We live increasingly busy lives and can struggle to cope with the pressure we''re put under by external factors and, most importantly, by ourselves. It''s very common to feel overwhelmed by all the responsibilities you have to juggle and feel that time is running away from you - that days, weeks, months and even years are passing in a blur. However, help is at hand. This compact and friendly book is a mindfulness starter kit, giving you everything you need to live in the moment and get the most from life. Dr Jessamy Hibberd and Jo Usmar use the latest mindfulness techniques to teach you how to stop worrying about the future and dwelling on the past so life - the life you''re actually living rather than the one you wish you were living or are planning to live soon - doesn''t pass you by. Learning how your mind works will enable you to cope with the bad things while fully appreciating the good things, making you more confident, content and productive day-to-day.Chapters include:Mindfulness-based Cognitive TherapyMind GamesDeactivating AutopilotThe Path of Most ResistanceLet It BePraise for the This Book Will series:''Top tips for making your life loads better.'' Cosmo''The answer to all my problems.'' Katie Piper