Introducing New Zealand's second book on
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

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.