Best Act Workbook (2026): 4 Workbooks Compared for Mindfulness
Four ACT workbooks for adults compared by author, edition and page count, with more options for kids and exam prep to help you pick a starting point.

At a glance
Top picks
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When anxious thoughts loop at night or stress follows you through the workday, the best act workbook can be a place to practice calmer habits. We compared four workbooks by author background, edition, print length and description.
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Quick picks
Best Overall Get Out of Your Mind by Hayes: 20th anniversary edition by the ACT originator; 232 pages Check price on Amazon
Best for Newcomers ACT Workbook for Adults by Walters: Easy-to-read guide with a bonus mini guide and 21-day action plan Check price on Amazon
Also Listed ACT, CBT & DBT Workbook: 3 in 1: Title covers ACT, CBT and DBT in one volume; details not stated Check price on Amazon
Exam Prep Note ACT Study Guide & Test Prep [2 in 1]: For the ACT college admission test, not the therapy approach Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Shelf Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get Out of Your Mind by Hayes | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | Quantum Prep 2-in-1 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | ACT Workbook for Adults by Walters | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | ACT, CBT & DBT Workbook by Blake | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |

Get Out of Your Mind by Hayes
The 20th anniversary edition of the ACT workbook by the therapy's originator, for adults facing anxiety, depression, stress and anger.
Pros
- By ACT originator Steven C. Hayes, with a new preface in this edition
- 232 pages on anxiety, depression, trauma, job stress and anger
- The listing states it received the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit
Cons
- No reading age or grade level is stated
- Check what the new preface adds if you own an earlier edition
- Addresses trauma, depression and anger; preview it for a sensitive reader

Quantum Prep 2-in-1
A 2-in-1 study system with lessons and 50 full-length practice exams across all sections.
Pros
- 50 full-length practice exams included
- Covers English, math, reading and science
- 422 pages with explanations
Cons
- All-in-one means less math depth
- No calculator guidance listed
- Independently published

ACT Workbook for Adults by Walters
An easy-to-read ACT workbook for adults, with a bonus mini guide and 21-day action plan.
Pros
- 174 pages with a bonus mini guide and 21-day action plan
- Described as easy to read and non-technical, suiting newcomers
- Covers anxiety, depression, anger, OCD and chronic pain in one volume
Cons
- No reading age or grade level is stated
- Published July 9, 2024, the older of the two full editions here
- Lists many conditions; readers focused on one issue may prefer a narrower book

ACT, CBT & DBT Workbook by Blake
Built for readers seeking a broad mental health toolkit, this volume brings together acceptance, cognitive, and dialectical strategies into a unified progression.
Pros
- Combines three distinct therapeutic frameworks across more than 180 exercises.
- Print length of 330 pages offers comprehensive coverage of acceptance, cognitive, and dialectical techniques.
- The listing states the book includes six bonus guides covering reflection and resilience building.
Cons
- The listing notes this title is Book 2 of 3 in the Inner Growth series.
- The listing does not state a reading age or grade level.
- Because DBT is one of three combined modalities, dedicated dialectical behavior therapy content is only one part of the book.
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More picks to compare
ACT Workbook for Kids by BlackFor kids ages 8 to 12, with activities for worry, sadness and anger.Check on Amazon
ACT Workbook for Adults by NierlingFor adults facing anxiety, depression and addiction, with simple techniques.Check on Amazon
ACT Skills Workbook by BooneFor adults building ACT skills for anxiety, negative thoughts and emotions.Check on Amazon
ACT Practice Tests by Easy EduFor the ACT college exam, not therapy: 10 full-length practice tests.Check on Amazon
Official ACT Prep Guides SetFor the ACT college exam: official prep and subject guides, 2026-2027.Check on Amazon
Compare the picks
| Book | Shelf Score | Author | Pages | Published | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Get Out of Your Mind by Hayes | 9.7/10 | Steven C. Hayes PhD | 232 | September 1, 2025 | View on Amazon |
| ACT Workbook for Adults by Walters | 9.6/10 | Ava Walters | 174 | July 9, 2024 | View on Amazon |
| ACT, CBT & DBT Workbook: 3 in 1 | 9.4/10 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | |
| ACT Study Guide & Test Prep [2 in 1] | 9.6/10 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. None of the four picks list one. How we pick explains the weights.
| Book | Shelf Score | Fit /35 | Contents /25 | Value /25 | Age/level /10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Get Out of Your Mind by Hayes | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 20 | n/a |
| ACT Workbook for Adults by Walters | 9.6 | 29 | 20 | 20 | n/a |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.
How to choose the best act workbook
Match the edition to your shelf
The Hayes listing describes a 20th anniversary edition with a new preface, published September 1, 2025; the Walters workbook was published July 9, 2024. Newer editions usually reflect more current material.
Pick the on-ramp that fits
A reader new to ACT may prefer the Walters workbook, described as easy to read and non-technical with a 21-day action plan. For a child, more options include The ACT Workbook for Kids, aimed at ages 8 to 12.
Check which ACT you are buying
Two titles in more options target the ACT college admission test, not the therapy. If exam prep is your goal, our best ACT math study guide list is the better shelf; workbook fans can browse our best reading workbook for adults list.
Before you buy
- Confirm the edition: the Hayes listing describes a 20th anniversary edition with a new preface, published September 1, 2025.
- Check the contents: the Walters listing names a bonus mini guide and 21-day action plan; the title-only listings state no contents.
- Read the subtitle: two listings target the college admission test, not the therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ACT workbook should I start with?
The Walters workbook is described as easy to read and non-technical; the Hayes 20th anniversary edition, published September 1, 2025, carries the originator’s framing.
Is there an ACT workbook for kids?
Yes: The ACT Workbook for Kids is in more options, aimed at ages 8 to 12 with a listed reading age of 5 to 12 years.
Do any of these workbooks include answer keys?
None of the four picks’ listings mention one; in more options, the 10-practice-test exam workbook states answer keys are printed in the book.
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More lists: reading workbooks for adults, ACT math study guides and vocabulary workbooks.