The best books for stress relief

Before “mindfulness” became mainstream, this profound little book taught how being present in the moment can ease suffering and transform your life. Written by a Vietnamese Buddhist Zen Master, who was nominated for the 1967 Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this poetic guide to mindfulness has been my “go-to” book for stress reduction for more than 30 years. I’m grateful that his publishers granted permission to use two of his teachings from this book, "Telephone Meditation," and “Conscious Breathing with a Smile” in my book, Yoga Sparks. 

My copy of the original, 1995 edition of this book (published by Rodmell Press), is filled with paperclips and sticky notes marking my favorites among these very nourishing practices. Lasater is a physical therapist, with a PhD in East-West Psychology, who has taught yoga around the world since 1971. Back when yoga was becoming popular in the West--and many people viewed it as a “work-out”—Lasater pioneered the relaxing practice of restorative yoga, which was designed to help heal the effects of chronic stress. The book features dozens of restful poses, where the body is supported with various props—such as bolsters and blankets—arranged to make you as comfortable as possible so you can relax, breathe easily, find your center, and release tension from your body and mind.  

During his very first yoga class, back in 1970, Richard Miller became enthralled with the final relaxation, a practice called shavasana (the corpse pose)—where you lie on your back, quiet your mind, and surrender your body to the earth. “For the first time in years, I felt free of all conflict, radiantly joyful, and attuned with the entire universe,” writes Miller, who was inspired to study yoga and understand this process of deep rest, which he would later learn as Yoga Nidra. Now a clinical psychologist, researcher, and yoga scholar, Miller presents a step-by-step guide to this deep relaxation, accompanied by a helpful CD that includes six guided Yoga Nidra practices. I’ve downloaded these audios onto my phone and enjoy letting Miller’s calm voice guide me into deep relaxation.   

One of my favorite stress-relievers is physical activity, and I’ve always relied on movement—going for a walk, dancing, practicing yoga—as an effective, enjoyable way to ease tension and boost my mood. Like me, Kelly McGonigal writes, “Exercise has, at various times in my life rescued me from isolation and despair, fostered courage and hope, reminded me how to experience joy and given me a place to belong.” Yet even though exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending, she notes that many people find it a chore. Using cutting-edge science and engaging storytelling, McGonigal explains why movement is essential for health and happiness. And she offers inspiration and information to help people get moving. She is also a yoga-therapy colleague who wrote the wonderful foreword for my book, Yoga Sparks.

My copy is the sixth edition, but this groundbreaking workbook now offers a seventh edition and is based on the authors’ decades of clinical experience working with clients suffering from varied symptoms of stress including insomnia, worry, hypertension, poor digestion, depression, and anger. This hefty book offers a comprehensive compilation of stress-reduction strategies—including techniques for relaxation, managing time, dealing with stressful thoughts and feelings, and effective communication. The workbook format provides helpful guidance to create a personal action plan for stress reduction.