The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) [Paperback]

Martha Davis (Author), Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman (Author), Matthew McKay (Author)

Book Description

Series: New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook | Publication Date: May 3, 2008

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its sixth edition, this workbook, highly regarded by therapists and their clients, remains the go-to source for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the busiest lives.

This new edition is updated with powerful relaxation techniques based on the latest research, and draws from a variety of proven treatment methods, including progressive relaxation, autogenics, self-hypnosis, visualization, and mindfulness and acceptance therapy.

In the first chapter, you'll explore your own stress triggers and symptoms, and learn how to create a personal plan for stress reduction. Each chapter features a different method for relaxation and stress reduction, explains why the method works, and provides on-the-spot exercises you can do to apply that method when you feel stressed. The result is a comprehensive yet accessible workbook that will help you to curb stress and cultivate a more peaceful life.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Although the sheer size of this dense workbook might cause initial hyperventilation--280 full-size sheets of text--take heart (and a deep breath!): the many self-assessment tools and calming techniques presented in this fifth edition can help overcome anxiety and promote physical and emotional well-being. First introduced in 1980, the book received praise for presenting a comprehensive look at stress, its physical manifestations, and the multiple ways it can be managed. Twenty years later, its well-organized chapters on breathing, relaxation, meditation, thought stopping, and body awareness still guide the reader through copious self-help techniques to try and, eventually, master. Other chapters, including job stress management, goal setting and time management, and assertiveness training, focus on daily scenarios people often find distressing. Lessons in identifying key elements that trigger unpleasant responses and in reacting differently to these elements are designed to defuse perceived conflicts. For this edition, coauthors Martha Davis (psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, CA), Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman (licensed clinical social worker with Kaiser Permanente Online), and Matthew McKay (clinical director of Haight-Ashbury Psychological Services, San Francisco, CA) have added topics on worry control, anger management, and eye-movement therapy. New diagrams and a more reader-friendly format should appeal to readers, despite a few typos and graphical mishaps. This is a valuable tool for therapists, their patients, and the stressed-at-large. --Liane Thomas --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"This comprehensive workbook deserves to be in the library of every active therapist, but it shouldn’t be left on the shelf! Once again, the authors have empowered the reader with straightforward instructions on every major approach to stress management known. From worry to chronic headaches to information overload, here is your one-stop guide to recovery.”
–R. Reid Wilson, Ph.D., author of Don’t Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks

“This text remains, after twenty years, the clearest, best-organized, and most readable book on stress management. It has achieved the status of the classic self-help reference in the field.”
–Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook and Coping with Anxiety

“An exemplary book on stress. It is lucidly written, rationally ordered, and comprehensive, and each section is densely packed with instructions and exercises which make the workbook easy to practice.”
–Somatics Magazine: Journal of the Mind/Body Arts and Sciences

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 6th edition (May 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572245492
• ISBN-13: 978-1572245495
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Personal Health > Stress > Stress Management

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

329 of 330 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stress reduction for dummies, January 14, 2008

By 

Barbara T. - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (Paperback)

Sure we're all stressed a little now and then, but when the stress REALLY starts to build up and becomes too much, consider this little helper. An oversized volume (making it much easier to read), this book contains not one, but MANY different ways of reducing your stress- that's why its called a workbook. And this is precisely what makes this book such a gem- there's virtually something in it for everyone. If you don't like one technique, no problem, just go to the next chapter and try another one until you find one that suits you.

A handy book that should help de-stress a lot of people, I give it 5 stars easy. Can also recommend The Sixty-Second Motivator for readers who have trouble getting motivated to do healthy things regularly- like practice relaxation techniques!

166 of 171 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy-to-read, concrete strategies for stress reduction., June 27, 2002

By 

Beth Cholette "doctor_beth" (Upstate NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (Paperback)

I'm a psychologist working in a college counseling center, and this is one of the top self-help books which I recommend to my clients. It's appropriate for anyone looking to find ways to reduce the amount of anxiety and stress they feel. Strategies address all areas of anxiety, including physical tension, worry, and interpersonal issues. Each chapter details a specific anxiety reduction strategy--eg, diaphragmatic breathing, self-hypnosis, thought stopping--and at the start of the book, there is a self quiz to help determine which chapters would best meet your individual needs. This is one of the best, simpliest books avaiable for reducing anxiety and stress; it's also useful for a wide variety of related problems such as depression and difficulties sleeping. Highly recommended!

129 of 134 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on the subject I have seen...clear and concise, February 6, 2000

By 

Adam T. Bratter "AB" (Yonkers) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (Paperback)

I must have bought countless books on relaxation and meditation in order to relieve stress. For the most part I found non-objective, very subjective eastern treatises pushing a philosophy or dogma. These books were not very well structured in explaining how to use the techniques. This book, approaches relaxation methods in a scientific manner. Each chapter is about one method, telling what type of attitude works best in its use, the variations of the method (based on effect) and the time that is necessary to see the effects. The methods are explained in a "cookbook" manner. The steps of the methods are clear and explained well. These methods are treated as templates for anybody to use, without implying inferences as to what philosophy of life is correct. I don't think I have ever recommended a book before (heuristic: 90% of all books say the same thing), but since this one follows such a well defined format, I will. Enjoy.