Relaxation For Dummies (eBook)

Shamash Alidina, MEng MA(Ed), is a professional mindfulness trainer, keynote speaker and stress management consultant. He specialises in mindfulness training and teacher training for therapists, coaches, executives and the general public. He has trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh and Matthieu Ricard, and at Bangor University's Centre for Mindfulness. He has over ten years of experience in teaching mindfulness. He currently runs mindfulness-based courses one-to-one and in groups in London, as well as via distance-learning. He is the author of Mindfulness For Dummies.

Introduction 1

Part I: Introducing Relaxation 7

Chapter 1: Discovering Relaxation 9

Chapter 2: Understanding Stress 23

Chapter 3: Planning Your Journey into Relaxation 39

Part II: Exploring Relaxation Techniques Using Your Body
55

Chapter 4: Trying Progressive Relaxation 57

Chapter 5: Practising Breathing Techniques 71

Chapter 6: Using Physical Activity to Relax 89

Chapter 7: Yoga, T'ai Chi and Qigong 103

Chapter 8: Massage, Acupressure and Reflexology 125

Part III: Discovering Relaxation Techniques Using Your Mind
and Heart 139

Chapter 9: Guided Imagery, Self-Hypnosis, Autogenics and Music
141

Chapter 10: Meditation 159

Chapter 11: Spirituality and Prayer 177

Chapter 12: Managing Your Mind 191

Chapter 13: Improving Your Attitude 209

Part IV: Everyday Relaxation 225

Chapter 14: Finding Ways to Sleep Serenely 227

Chapter 15: Discovering Relaxation at Home 237

Chapter 16: Find Relaxation at Work 257

Part V: Managing Problems Using Relaxation Techniques
273

Chapter 17: Managing Anxiety, Worry, Panic and Depression
275

Chapter 18: Managing Chronic Disease 291

Chapter 19: Anger and Burnout 307

Part VI: The Part of Tens 319

Chapter 20: Ten Golden Rules of Relaxation 321

Chapter 21: Ten Quick Ways to Relax 331

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Deep Relaxation 343

Chapter 23: Ten Resources for Further Help 351

Appendix: Audio CD 359

Index 361