Learn to Relax : A Practical Guide to Easing Tension and Conquering Stress [Paperback]

Mike George (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

We all need to relax. If only it were as easy as it sounds! Now, with this beautifully illustrated and practical volume, anyone can learn to let go. Offering almost 30 ingenious and easy-to-do exercises tailor-made for busy people, plus original illustrations to aid visualization and a friendly text that's low on jargon, Learn to Relax presents effective ways to ease tension at work, at home, or on the road. Stress counselor Mike George suggests simple techniques for breathing, massage, anxiety control, time management, sleep enrichment, detachment, and meditation, all designed to calm the mind. Drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions, this book's easy yet highly effective strategies reveal how we can put problems in perspective, deepen self-awareness, and celebrate the positive in life. Practical and inspirational in the style of Teach Yourself to Dream, Learn to Relax is the only accessible illustrated relaxation book on the market -- and an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to rediscover the essential art of relaxation.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

While the idea that relaxation is a skill that needs to be learned may strike some as odd, the fact remains that with today's demanding schedules and hectic paces, most people don't dedicate the time necessary to maintain their own mental well-being. Daily we abuse our bodies with stress and suffer the pain of overwork and overexhaustion. Instead of reducing our levels of stress to create tranquil work atmospheres, harmonious relationships, and healthier home lives, we pride ourselves on just how much stress we can handle. This is not the way to lead a long, happy life; learning to "quiet the spirit and calm the mind" is, and Mike George teaches just that in this collection of wisdom, Learn to Relax.

Drawing from numerous Eastern traditions--including yoga, shiatsu, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism--George presents a compilation of essays, illustrations, and quotes to teach you how to relax. There was a time, he points out, "when the quality of being was more important than the quantity of doing--when people themselves were human beings rather than human 'doings.'" We can regain the lost peace of that long-gone time. But don't expect a dry self-help manual; George gives more than just advice. Included in his book are 25 exercises to help you immediately implement the techniques he offers. The topics he covers include breathing, massage, emotional well-being, sleep enhancement, visualization, and time management.

Learn to Relax is as soothing to read as it is to follow. Wonderfully enriched by its colorful pages and the stunning illustrations that adorn every page, the book is so beautifully presented that the simple act of flipping through the pages, pausing to read the quotes and to glance at the pictures, may help you begin to unwind. --Jenny Brown

About the Author

Mike George is a renowned teacher of meditation and stress consultant who lectures around the world, and for clients such as General Motors and Mitsubishi. He lives in the United Kingdom.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811819086
• ISBN-13: 978-0811819084
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #324,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great starting point, June 11, 2003

By 

C. Fletcher (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Learn to Relax : A Practical Guide to Easing Tension and Conquering Stress (Paperback)

I suffered through most of my twenties with a pretty debilitating anxiety disorder, which unfortunately has recently come back to check up on me. I found Mike George's short-but-to-the-point book helpful in diffusing and alleviating many of the mental circumstances that contribute to anxiety.

With short, bite size chapters illustrated with soothing water-colors, LEARN TO RELAX touches on all of the important tools needed to unweave the warp of stress and anxiety that tends to bind us in knots. Mike George covers the principles of deep breathing, meditation, visualization techniques, and also shows how to use the formidable powers of the imagination to heal the body and mind from within.

This book isn't a comprehensive manual on relaxation, but it wasn't meant to be. Rather, it's a portable, user-friendly sampler that will help you take the first steps down the path of relaxation and healing. If you get something from this book, you'll definitely want to explore the subject further, but this is a great place to start.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, simple, effective. Every word is valuable., July 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Learn to Relax : A Practical Guide to Easing Tension and Conquering Stress (Paperback)

If you want to be in control of your life this is an excellent beginning. This book is special and different from all relaxation books I've ever read. It's easy to notice that the author has experienced everything he teaches, making it very practical, yet comprehensive. The text is focused, clear and objective, so that you can easily work on the causes of your stress, anxiety, fear or unhappiness. It's impressive!!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful with conquering stress, July 26, 2002

By 

Heidi (Elk River, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learn to Relax : A Practical Guide to Easing Tension and Conquering Stress (Paperback)

I found this book to be very helpful. I have purchased five copies to pass on to friends. They have all agreed that it is a wonderful tool and easy to follow.