Relaxation For Dummies provides a straightforward guide to understanding the importance of relaxation in our readers' day-to-day lives. Covering a variety of simple relaxation techniques, including meditation, breathing techniques, hypnotherapy, guided imagery and yoga, this book shows readers how to use physical and emotional relaxation to combat a range of issues including stress, anxiety, phobias and fears. The book is accompanied by an audio CD that provides accompanying relaxation exercises for readers to follow.

Relaxation For Dummies:

Note: CD files are available to download when buying the e-Book version

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 ofMindfulness For Dummies.

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, Tai 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