Guide to Stress Reduction
Book

Guide to Stress Reduction

L. John Mason
Celestial Arts, 2001
First Edition: 1980
Buy book or audiobook

Read or listen offline

Amazon Kindle
auto-generated audio
  • 0.5×
  • 0.75×
  • 1×
  • 1.25×
  • 1.5×
  • 1.75×
1×
auto-generated audio

Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

This is the latest version of a bestseller that has been in print for more than 25 years. John Mason is clear and persuasive about why constant stress is an inappropriate (if natural) part of modern life. The techniques for learning to relax and letting go of stress make a lot of sense, and tapes of the various methods are available to buy from the author’s associated Web site. Some of the medically related claims about the benefits of stress reduction are somewhat less convincing, but taken as a practical approach to becoming healthier and happier through relaxation, this book is a proven winner. getAbstract recommends it to anyone suffering from undue stress in their working life or at home.

Summary

Side Effects of Stress

Our ancient ancestors had to worry about becoming a meal and so had to be aware of every movement and sound around them. Stress evolved as a response to help them either flee from the cause of their stress or fight it. In our modern world, we assume we must simply live with stress and accept it as a part of modern life. Sadly, we don’t see the negative effects on our health and the quality of our lives until it is too late.

If you suffer from regular aches and pains, headaches and insomnia, but your doctor has confirmed you don’t have an underlying medical condition, you will benefit from stress reduction. Many people have reduced or eliminated stress and its attendant physical side effects by using these techniques. Everyone needs some stress to motivate and stimulate them, but choosing to take on stress for a specific short-term purpose is very different from accepting unwanted and even unrecognized stress as a constant part of your life.

Relaxation

The fight-or-flight response triggers an array of physical responses, including an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and an injection of adrenaline and sugar. These should...

About the Author

L. John Mason has consulted on stress management and biofeedback therapy since 1977. He also provides executive coaching services and lectures.

Comment on this summary or Start Discussion