It’s practically the watchword of modern American life. We all know we should learn to manage it. We know that it can shorten our lives, age us prematurely, make us fat.

We know it can cause a host of physical and psychological problems, from heart disease to impotence—but we all seem to keep suffering from it. One more thing we all know is that, ultimately, we are responsible for reducing the stress we experience each day.

This little book offers ten simple solutions any of us can use to make this important change once and for all.

Based on positive psychology, mind-body medicine, and cognitive behavioral therapy, the ten solutions in this book take stress management to an unprecedented level of effectiveness.

26 of 27 people found the following review "Speaking as a psychologist..." helpful:

As a practicing psychologist, I've read a lot of self-help books on stress reduction. This one is different and better. Cutting edge medicine, cognitive therapy and practical coping strategies are combined into concise chapters that do not have to be read in sequence. The questionnaires give you a quick way to increase your self knowledge, and the strategies for coping are practical and time-efficient. (Bonnie B. Comfort)

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These short assessments, lifestyle enhancement tips, and emergency stress rescue techniques help you to cope effectively with stress and to reduce its frequency in your life.

More than just lowering blood pressure and being generally happier, the techniques in this book can lead you to physical wellness and foster a greater sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

10 Simple Solutions to Stress: How to Tame Tension And Start Enjoying Your Life (Order Today)!

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.

71 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

Brew yourself a cup of your favorite herbal tea and curl up in a quiet corner because you're in for a treat. This book is exactly what the title says it is - a workbook for relaxation and stress reduction - and its user-friendly style enables the reader to dip into any chapter at will and derive something useful and informative from it. The book's orientation is very much a holistic approach and the authors' emphasis on mental coping methods dovetails nicely with the chapters on reducing physical stress symptoms.

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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.

The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) (Paperback) Order Today!

By releasing such chemicals as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream, the instinctive feeling of whether to "fight" or take "flight" is experienced during instances of stress.

If the situation can be controlled, or walked away from, the raised levels will subside. However, if this is not possible, they continue to build up and become excessive. As a result, heart rate increases, sweating occurs and sugars are released. This serves to just heighten stress levels, and the vicious circle is completed.

Applying stress reduction techniques at the very first sign of such an event can head the feelings off. Being able to recognize the situations most likely to trigger this reaction is a first step. There are several stress reduction techniques available if self help techniques fail to work. However, before trying any of them, it is highly advisable to seek professional medical guidance.

Relaxation is the key to bringing stress under control. At the first sign of stress instinctively, muscles tense, which can cause further problems such as pain and headaches. The best method to help relax is to apply simple deep breathing methods. One proven method is to inhale deeply and smoothly until the count of four. Hold the breath in for another count of four. Then exhale for a further count of four. This process helps to take in fresh oxygen in the blood stream, canceling out the negative effects of the chemicals.

There are of course many products and companies offering to provide stress reduction techniques. A simple search online will return numerous results. But for a quick and simple technique, deep breathing, exercise and fresh air are quite effective for occasional stress.

A common reaction to stress, for a significant number of people, is to immediately get a cup of coffee and light up a cigarette. This couldn't be more wrong. Nicotine and caffeine will only help to heighten feelings of stress. Indeed, such is the virulence of their effects that reducing or quitting smoking and caffeinated products can help avoid stress. Prevention is better than cure, after all.