Play It Away: A Workaholic's Cure for Anxiety by Charlie Hoehn

In Play It Away: A Workaholic’s Cure for Anxiety, author Charlie Hoehn offers a creative and achievable way to restore balance to the lives of overworked and stressed-out individuals. Providing his readers with personal anecdotes and actionable advice, Hoehn outlines the steps required to regain control over both mental and physical health.

Written from the point of view of an individual who dealt with debilitating stress and anxiety, Hoehn’s book is designed for those who are tired of struggling with work-related issues. By pointing out the importance of making time for yourself in an effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance, the author encourages readers to step away from their computers and prioritize meaningful activities and hobbies.

Hoehn begins his book by sharing his story of how he used to be an incredibly driven and ambitious individual, only to find himself overwhelmed and exhausted due to burning himself out. As his anxiety began to take over his life, Hoehn was faced with the realization that he needed to find a way to turn things around.

The bulk of the book details Hoehn’s strategies for addressing workload-related stress. Rather than simply providing his readers with platitudes and abstract concepts, he gives tangible methods and advice. He begins by discussing the importance of understanding the science behind stress and the hormones that regulate it.

Hoehn then dives into the details of his lifestyle overhaul, which included removing his dependence on caffeine and laptop, scheduling time to be offline and unplugged, and taking part in regular physical activity. He then advocates for the importance of finding a form of self-care that works for the individual. His examples include massage therapy, mindfulness meditation, journaling, gratitude practice, attending a barre or yoga class, and developing a hobby or side-hustle.

Hoehn’s approach to managing workloads and promoting healthier lifestyles is largely holistic and preventative in nature. Rather than simply offering prescriptions for how to live in times of intense stress, he emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their own limitations and incorporate healthy coping mechanisms into their daily lives.

Throughout the book, Hoehn provides prompts and exercises to help his readers get started on the right foot and even includes worksheets and a course (in partnership with online program QuickStart) to assist readers in organizing and designing a meaningful and enjoyable life.

With Play It Away: A Workaholic’s Cure for Anxiety, Charlie Hoehn gives individuals the information and motivation needed to prioritize their own wellbeing rather than fall prey to the demands of their careers. By taking his advice and focusing on self-care, readers can finally turn their attention to leading a more balanced and fulfilling life.