This book 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.

1. How you react to stress : Sources of stress ; Fight-or-flight response ; Chronic stress and disease ; Schedule of recent experience ; Prevention ; Symptoms checklist ; Tactics for coping with stress ; Tactics for coping with stress inventory ; Knowing your goal ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Symptom-relief effectiveness chart ; Further reading -- 2. Body awareness : Background ; Body inventory ; Stress-awareness diary ; Record of general tension ; Further reading -- 3. Breathing : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Preparing to do breathing exercises ; Breathing basics ; Special considerations ; Breathing for tension release and increased awareness ; Breathing for symptom control or release ; Final thoughts ; Further reading ; Recordings -- 4. Progressive relaxation : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Special considerations ; Further reading ; Recordings -- 5. Meditation : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Exercises ; Special considerations ; Further reading ; Recordings -- 6. Visualization : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Basic tension and relaxation exercises ; Special considerations ; Further reading ; Recordings -- 7. Applied relaxation training : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Special considerations ; Further reading ; Recordings -- 8. Self-hypnosis : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Contraindications ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Special considerations ; Further reading -- 9. Autogenics : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Contraindications ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Special considerations ; Further reading ; Recording -- 10. Brief combination techniques : Background ; Symptom-relief effectiveness ; Time to master ; Instructions ; Further reading ; Recordings.