Still in the Storm - Dealing With Stress

This practical little book by Dr Ann Williamson reminds us of the basics of stress management. Short and easy to read, the content is not ‘rocket science’, but it can still be regarded as an effective self-help guide for anyone seeking practical advice on how to reduce the amount of stress in their life.

It works on the familiar premise that stress can be tackled in three ways. First you can remove some of the external causes of stress - though this is not always easy. Second you can alter your own responses to situations and things. Third you can learn techniques for dealing with the symptoms of stress.

The first option means actually changing aspects of your life, the second requires a change of thinking and the third involves learning stress reduction and relaxation techniques.

Readers are encouraged from the outset to take responsibility for their levels of stress. Dr Williamson provides a series of relaxation, self-hypnosis and confidence building techniques, which are brief and easy to follow. The techniques, like the book, are not onerous or daunting and can be easily incorporated into most daily routines.

From a therapist’s point of view, the exercises can serve as useful homework assignments for clients, or can be applied to relaxation and stress management workshops.

The book can also be recommended as a useful scene setter for the causes of modern stress and its effects on body, mind and behaviour.