Synopses & Reviews
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.
This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives.
A Reading Well Books on Prescription title.
Review
Masterful! Robert G. Santee has taken the principles of a classic Eastern practice and has applied them powerfully to our modern western context. He skillfully weaves theory, story, and practice to illustrate the timeless, universal function of Tao. Structured, concise, and accessible,
The Tao of Stress is a must-read!”
David Wei, 16th generation lineage holder of Wudang Mountain's Zhang San Feng wellness tradition and founder of Wudang West Cultural Heritage Center
Review
Bob Santee both expresses the tradition of Taoism accurately in easy-to-understand language and makes this ancient tradition relevant to our modern version of the human dilemma of stress. Readers of this book will learn basic Taoist practices and how to apply them in daily life in order to heal their stress. This is an excellent book for participatory people; mainly those who are willing to be actively involved in their healing. Engaging the Taoist practices as Santee clearly explains them will enable a person to cultivate their natural life energy, thereby not only naturally healing their stress, but also realizing greater health in body, mind, and spirit.
Reggie Pawle, PhD, cross-cultural psychotherapist and professor of Asian psychologies, at East-West Psychology Service, Kyoto, Japan, and Kansai Gaidai University, Hirakata, Japan
Review
The words of Robert G. Santees
The Tao of Stress are as clear as his obvious command of the philosophy, psychology, and practical application of Taoist principles for calming the galloping mind and simplifying ones life.”
Ronald Zelman, founder of DragonTail Mindfulness, LLC, a company that devotes its energies to helping individuals utilize tai chi, qigong, and Wing Chun kung fu to improve their lives
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, PhD, author of Don’t Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks
Review
"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, PhD, author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, Coping with Anxiety, and Beyond Anxiety and Phobia
Review
"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
Synopsis
Even Zen masters arent immune to stress. Like most emotions, stress is a natural part of life, but there are ways to manage it and stay balanced. In The Tao of Stress, an expert in Taoist psychology presents daily meditative skills and movement exercises that can help readers simplify their lives, fight fatigue, and calm a busy mind. In addition, the meditation practices outlined in this book will show readers how being in harmony with the changes around them, rather than in conflict, can greatly reduce their stress. The book is simple, fun, and practical for everyday use.
Synopsis
Imagine, for a moment, a branch in the wind. If it moves with the wind, it will sway gracefully and remain intact; but if it refuses to bend, it will break. Like that unbendable branch, many of us refuse to be in harmony with the changes around us, and it is out of this conflict that much of our stress is created.
As with most emotions, stress is a natural part of life, but it must be carefully managed in order to keep a sense of balance. When we allow stress to take control, a number of psychological and physical health problems can follow. Anxiety, depression, headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even diabetes can all be caused or exacerbated by stress. In order to live a healthy life, you need to make a change.
In The Tao of Stress, an expert in Taoist psychology presents daily meditative skills and movement exercises that can help you simplify your life, fight fatigue, and calm a busy mind. After learning the basics of the Taoist approach to stress management, you will be able to put theory into practice through the various simple exercises and activities offered in this book. By creating your own stress management program, you will stay on the path (Tao) to good health, both in body and mind.
Remember, even Zen masters arent immune to stress. But they do know that in order to break the cycle of stress, you must be willing to give yourself up to the flow of life. This book will show you how.
Synopsis
Since its first publication in 1980, The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook has become the most indispensable resource for effective and up-to-date techniques for relaxing the body and calming the mind. No other book offers easy-to-use, step-by-step instructions for using progressive relaxation, autogenics, self-hypnosis, visualization, mindfulness, acceptance…and the list goes on. If it means relaxation, it's in this newly revised and updated edition.
About the Author
Martha Davis, PhD, was a psychologist in the department of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara, CA, where she practiced individual, couple, and group psychotherapy for more than thirty years prior to her retirement. She is coauthor of Thoughts and Feelings and The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook.Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, MSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who worked as a staff operations consultant for the marketing and internet services group of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. She is now retired and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is preparing to become a certified coach for executives and other individuals and plans to use skills and techniques from this book in her practice.Matthew McKay, PhD, is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, including The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, Self-Esteem, Thoughts and Feelings, When Anger Hurts, and ACT on Life Not on Anger. He has also penned two fiction novels, Us and The Wawona Hotel. McKay received his PhD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and specializes in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety and depression. He lives and works in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.