GoodStress
presents a new approach to stress management based on Rational Emotive Behaviour
Therapy, in particular, REBT's application to personal development and workplace
issues known as Rational Effectiveness Training. Why another book on stress management?
After all, aren't there enough already? Well, the problem is,
many people read books on stress management, or do (often expensive) training seminars, but
fail to put into practice what they have learned. The author has counselled with
many people who have learned how to manage their time, assert themselves, relax or
problem-solve - but gave up using their new skills within a short time.
This is where GoodStress comes in. As you will see
from the chapter listings below, GoodStress covers the same ground (and more) as
do many other stress management books; but goes further to show why people give
up - and, more importantly, how the blocks can be overcome using the principles
of Rational Effectiveness Training.
Understanding stress
In Part One, GoodStress will introduce you to an
understanding of what stress - especially distress - is, how to recognise it, and what
causes it:
- What is stress?
- Recognising your symptoms
- What triggers your stress?
- Are you predisposed to distress?
- The importance of your belief system
Twelve Rational Principles
Part Two lays the foundations for effective stress
management, showing why people often fail to use what they have learned, and how they can
overcome these blocks:
- How you can make stress management work
- The twelve rational principles
- Rational effectiveness training
Twelve strategies for managing stress
In Part Three, GoodStress describes in detail the
twelve main strategies you can use to manage your stress:
- Have clear and realistic goals
- Look after your body
- Be able to relax your body and mind
- Sleep well
- Maintain a support system
- Act assertively in your dealings with others
- Keep stimulation and variety in your life
- Manage time to achieve your goals
- Manage your financial and material resources
- Manage the changes in your life
- Know how to problem-solve
- Ask for help when you need it
You may find much of this information in other stress
management and cognitive-behaviour books, though rarely all in one place. Where GoodStress
really stands out, though, is in applying the rational principles and techniques from Part
Two to each of the strategies above to overcome blocks and make them work
Stress at work, self-study, and the internet
Part Three concludes by applying all the above to one key
area of life -stress management in the workplace. You will learn about:
- Burnout
- Getting support at work
- Applying Rational Effectiveness Training to common workplace
scenarios
- Using the Twelve Rational Principles to overcome blocks to
productivity and career success.
GoodStress contains some additional resources to
further develop your understanding and management of stress:
- An extensive index for self-study
- Reading lists on stress management for both the lay
reader and the professional helper
- Finally (and probably for the first time in a self-help book),
a list of stress management resources on the internet that you can look up.
What the reviewers have said about GoodStress
- This book is for everyone. It is practical,
easily understood and very, very meaningful. The understanding of
its principles and the suggested application WILL assist.
- The author ... is eminently qualified
in his chosen subject. He is both extremely professional and highly
credible. Local Rag, 6 November 1997
- 'Goodstress' is a down to earth, thought-provoking
book for those who are interested in self-analysis and self-motivation
... An interesting read. Fresh FM, March 1998
- I liked the way the text was set out
in a step-by-step way with the use of lots of headings and practical
examples.
- For those who have access to the Internet,
a selection of sites on the Worldwide Web is listed at the end of
the book where you can find free information relevant to most of the
chapters - this is a real bonus when you see the range of topics covered.
- I'm increasingly becoming a fan of Wayne
Froggatt's style of writing with clear, incisive thoughts and his
lack of waffle. Definitely another bestseller here. Daily Telegraph,
8 January 1998
- This is a very professionally-written
book that explains in a clear and practical manner how anyone can
recognise and deal with stress in their daily lives.
- Among self-help books I'd rate this
highly.
- It is easy to read, and its 256 pages
seem to cover all the causes and cures anyone could think of. Freelance,
December 1997
How to obtain GoodStress
- In New Zealand or Australia, you can purchase from bookstores
that sell self-help literature (eg. Whitcoulls, PaperPlus, London Bookshop, Dymocks, Angus
& Robertson, etc.)
- Internationally, you can purchase
GoodStress right from the internet - go to the
Rational
BookShop.
Published by HarperCollins New Zealand, Auckland, 1997. ISBN
1 86950 256 6. 256 Pages.
Cover illustration by Pamela Wolfe.
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