The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook
by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman & Matthew McKay
Summary
In print for decades and updated across multiple editions, this is less a book you read once and more a reference toolkit you return to — covering nearly every evidence-based relaxation technique in one place, from progressive muscle relaxation to biofeedback to time management. If you want breadth and a technique for every situation, this covers the most ground.
Who it's for
Readers who want a comprehensive reference of relaxation and stress-management techniques to draw from, rather than committing to just one method.
Key takeaways
- A wide range of techniques — progressive muscle relaxation, autogenics, breathing, visualization, and more — so you can find what actually works for you
- Guidance on which techniques suit which type of stress (physical tension versus racing thoughts versus time pressure)
- Practical worksheets for building a personalized, sustainable stress-management routine
Now in its seventh edition, this workbook has become something of a standard reference in the stress-management space precisely because of its breadth — it doesn’t advocate for one single technique, but walks through nearly every well-studied relaxation and stress-reduction method available.
For readers who’ve tried one approach (like meditation) without much luck, this book’s range means there’s likely another technique inside better suited to how your particular stress shows up, whether that’s physical tension, racing thoughts, or time pressure.
Available on Amazon
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