PJEndicott

Relaxation (TY Health & Well Being) by Richard Craze (Author)
Synopsis for amazon.com
Teach Yourself Relaxation is the ultimate guide for combating stress. We know that stress has the potential to be extremely bad for us, to cause ill health and seriously affect the quality of our lives. This is a practical guide to remedy the situation.
The book explains some of the best and most widely tested methods of relaxation - methods that work and are safe, simple and practical. Disciplines such as meditation, yoga, Alexander Technique, visualisations, and sleep therapy are all drawn upon and discussed.

Although relaxation can sometimes seem impossible when faced with the hectic, busy and stressful lives that we lead today, this book will give guidance on the skill of relaxing.
There are 'think boxes' at the beginning of each chapter to set the reader thinking about their general health. Throughout each chapter are 'action plans' for the reader to carry out and help them benefit from the book as much as possible.

Note from Pat:  A useful book to prompt thinking about the benefits of relaxation and how to start using a variety of methods, very often it is not knowing what to do and how that prevents us making progress towards a more peaceful life.
ISBN-10: 034086012X ISBN-13: 978-0340860120

The Relaxation Response (Paperback) by Herbert Benson
A very readable book that comprehensively explains the effects of stress on the human body and why invoking the relaxation response is the key to good health and wellbeing.
This is the latest edition of a popular book originally published approximately 30 years ago and which updates the reader on the most recent research by Dr Benson and his colleagues.

Note from Pat: An enjoyable and informative read, one of the best!
ISBN-10: 0380815958 ISBN-13: 978-0380815951

Relaxation: Exercises and Inspirations for Well-being by Dr Sarah Brewer
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk
A step-by-step guide to relaxation in the modern world. Try out some practical relaxation techniques in a programme specially devised by Health Journalist of the Year, Dr Sarah Brewer. Drawn from traditions of both East and West, 12 step-by-step exercises from simple meditations, gentle stretches, visualizations to breathing techniques show how to put relaxation into practice simply and effectively and for immediate stress relief. Interspersed throughout the book are quotations from some of the world's key thinkers. This practical and inspiring book is filled with gems of relaxation wisdom that bring well-being and fulfilment within easy reach of us all.

Note from Pat: One of my favourites due to the wealth of ideas for taking a few minutes to relax.
ISBN-10: 1904292070 ISBN-13: 978-1904292074

Take a Nap" Sara C Mednick PhD
A most interesting book in which Mednick explains how sleep patterns have changed over the ages. It is well known that most of the western world is sleep deprived and that this can lead to loss of productivity as well as illness. Mednick's book explains how to nap your way to over 20 benefits to be derived from regular and restorative sleep. A nap of just 10 - 20 minutes taken during the day can restore vitality; when you take your nap determines its outcome. Taken early in the day a nap will inspire creativity, midway through the day will increase alertness and motor skills and early evening snoozes improve memory and clears the mind.

You can download Pat's review of 'Take a Nap!'. written for Thyroid UK by clicking on the book logo (left).