Resource on how to deal with stress but meditation should be incl

Review of "How to Deal with Stress", Stephen Palmer and Cary Cooper, Kogan Page, 2007, The Sunday Times Creating Success Series

Stephen Palmer is honorary professor of psychology at City University and Founder Director of the Centre for Stress Management and Cary Cooper is professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University and President of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Their combined perspectives on dealing with stress make for a robust approach.

The authors start with this practical definition: "stress occurs when pressure exceeds your perceived ability to cope." They then set out to help you to ‘conquer your stress, change the way you work and restore your work-life balance'. A tall order you may say from a self-help book. Compared to some of the self-help books available this one is based on solid science and sound psychological principles. Therefore, I believe that if the exercises and techniques they suggest were followed strictly, readers would notice direct improvement in their stress levels. There are over 34 activities throughout the book each designed to make the reader more aware and more in charge of their well-being. In this way Palmer and Cooper introduce the reader to easy-to-use ‘evidence-based' techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and useful stress self-evaluation exercises, worksheets and approaches to modifying stress-inducing behaviour. As someone who practices CBT in an integrative and holistic way, I can testify to its effectiveness and suitability for use in conjunction with complementary medicine.

The book is particularly relent to stress in relation to the workplace and includes two encouraging examples from the Health and Safety Executive of how staff who are under severe stress can be supported.

We are told about the difference between pressure and stress and how one person's pressure is another person's stress and of the connection between stress, anxiety and burnout. The costs of stress are quite shocking and provide compelling statistics to encourage employers of the need to address workplace stress. Taking the £10 billion estimated cost of absenteeism by the Confederation of British Industry, the authors highlight how research has linked many of the causes of absenteeism to stress. The variety of ailments listed will be familiar to complementary practitioners: heart attack/strokes, high blood pressure, ulcers, diabetes, angina, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. More specifically, we are informed that the International Labour Organisation Report found that the annual financial cost of stress to the UK is £5.3 billion. I would argue that these statistics emphasize the contribution that CAM from a valid professional standard can play in being part of the solution.

What I like most about the approach taken by Palmer and Cooper is how they take a relatively comprehensive approach that takes in the individual and the organisation; they help the reader examine the link between beliefs and stress (the approach of CBT) and to change their thinking. One example they address, which is more common than we realise, is how procrastination and perfectionism can increase stress. Topics covered include nutrition, physical health, self-esteem, anger, time management and using imagery and relaxation (Palmer's Multimodal Relaxation Method is especially helpful). Pointing out the contributions of the organisation, they introduce a model in Chapter 7 that includes the organisational factors of stress. They also offer managers an insight into how the organisation can help employees.

The book ends with a stress audit and instructions on how to develop your personal action plan. Throughout the book there is an emphasis on action which I understand is necessary even if paradoxically this action orientation could be a little stressful initially.

On the down side the section addressing physical health only includes the briefest anecdotes from research for example a cursory mention of plant sterols and how ‘dark chocolate helps to lower cholesterol levels'.  My only other criticism of the book is that it has not highlighted the role of spirituality or religious practice in reducing or managing stress. In my review of the ‘Spiritual Narratives Conference' ICM Journal Summer issue) I quote numerous examples of the benefits of spiritual practice in maintaining health and well being. In fact Prof. Palmer may find it interesting to note that his use of the five senses in his Multimodal Relaxation Method using Benson's Relaxation Response, positive imagery of each participant's choice, breathing exercise, and mental relaxation is reminiscent of St Ignatius' application of the senses in Ignatian prayer. Given the increasing research evidence for the integration of ‘mindfulness' practices with CBT, I also expected to find an emphasis on mindfulness in addressing stress. My own approach to stress uses an Integral approach which includes the methods described by Palmer and Cooper and more http://www.newdirectionconsulting.co.uk/pages/stress-management.php . It is my hope that books dealing with stress for a serious perspective as the authors so here will find valid justification to include a reference to CAM as I argue in my article on ‘Building Transdisciplinary Bridges, ICM Journal, Spring Issue)

In encouragement of transdisciplinary bridge-building, I recommend this book to all complementary practitioners, including counsellors and psychotherapists as part of their own education and as a resource for their clients where appropriate.

Martin Egan, www.newdirectionconsulting.co.uk ,  martin@insightcoach.eu