In today's hectic pace there are many benefits to be found in learning how to slow down the mind and body through learning relaxation techniques and ways to reduce stress levels.
Authors of The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook
Martha Davis is experienced in individual, couple and group psychotherapy and has is also co-author of Thoughts and Feelings, Messages and The Messages Workbook. Elizabeth Eshelman, MSW, worked as a staff operations consultant and is as licensed, clinical social worker.
Matthew McKay, professor at the Wright Institute in California has authored and co-authored over 25 books including Self-Esteem, ACT on Life Not on Anger and When Anger Hurts.
Who is The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook Aimed at?
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone who recognised that the hectic pace of life is unhelpful for one's emotional, psychological and physical health. Sufferers of mental health conditions such as depressions, anxiety, eating disorders and stress-related illness will greatly benefit from putting into practice the many relaxation and stress reduction techniques found in the book.
Understanding Stress and Relaxation Skills
While the first chapter provides a comprehensive overview of stress sources, symptoms, prevention and coping strategies the majority of the book explore different relaxation techniques and tools. Examples of such techniques include: breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, meditation, visualisation, self-hypnosis, autogenics and focusing.
The chapter on meditation is very helpful as it offers much insight into how this approach may be used to benefit one's emotional health and well-being.
Coping Skills Reduce Stress and Manage Anxiety, Anger and Depression
Chapters 13 to 20 offer the reader many different additional coping strategies and skills for coping with worry, anxiety, anger, depression and stress. Key skills include the following: assertiveness training, goal setting, time management, nutrition, exercise and work-stress management.
The final section is particularly helpful as it offers helpful suggestions on how to cope with a variety of different factors or issues which may result on roadblocks to effective stress management and relaxation. Practical advice on how to overcome procrastination through actively taking responsibility for one's decisions (however large or seemingly insignificant they may be) and confronting excuses are also provided.
Within each section case studies, examples and worksheets are provided to help the reader to put the tools learnt into practice. A helpful list of resourcing ranging from community support to Internet forums is located at the back of the book.
Davis, M. et al. (2008) The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook Oakland: New Harbinger
ISBN 10: 1-57224-549-2
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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