There are many options, techniques, and daily routines we can choose from and even combine together to create an individualized and beneficial stress management routine that works. In reality, stress is not the problem, but rather the lack of ability to cope or manage the stress. Self-help books that target stress management can be a beneficial and effective place to start. Here are the best stress management books on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor. By focusing on breath control and mindfulness, readers can learn and practice how to maintain serenity and sound-mindedness in chaotic situations. Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $15 Embracing even the painful parts of our stories helps us feel more in control and certain of where we want our futures to go. Price at time of publication: $18 By focusing on present sensations and emotions, one can replace stress-promoting habits with mindful habits. Price at time of publication: $21 According to evidence-based research, positive character traits offer a unique gateway to stress management and happiness. Price at time of publication: $25 The techniques in this book have been endorsed and used by Brené Brown and maintain an almost five-star rating from readers. Price at time of publication: $50 Positive relationships with others make every stressful aspect of life much more manageable and hopeful. Price at time of publication: $18 This book is a must if you work from home or have a desk job. Price at time of publication: $18 Dr. Storoni focuses on not only how to protect the body from the negative effects of stress, but also how to increase resilience and create habits that help the body to recover from stress quickly. Price at time of publication: $26 Dr. Robyn Gobin addresses all of these aspects with actionable self-care goals to increase productivity and reach desired goals. Price at time of publication: $15 By focusing on small changes, people begin to feel more in control and positive about how they feel and their quality of life. Price at time of publication: $5
Targeted to Your Specific Stress
Different kinds of stress can affect people differently. While some stressors are easily dealt with and managed, others might stick to our brains like velcro. Pick books that address your stress needs specifically and offer management options so you can better individualize a plan and routine.
Meets Your Current Routine
If you are over-your-head busy, pick an easy-to-read and easy-to-implement book that does not take up too much time. On the flip side, if you are in a place where more focus and attention can be given to self-improvement, choose a more in-depth and informative book.
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
As a licensed mental health counselor with over 15 years’ experience working with clients who struggle with mental health and chronic stress, Mary K. Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey. Having lots of options to choose from is vitally important for creating a lifestyle that combats both acute and chronic stress. What’s most important is understanding the source of your stress, avoiding triggers as best as you can, and creating (and sticking to) a personalized daily routine that helps you feel more relaxed throughout the day. Some are journals with helpful prompts that get you thinking about your stress in new ways. Others provide interactive quizzes and questionnaires that do the same, and others take a textbook approach with chapters that address specific issues. Choose the type of stress management workbook that appeals to you most to reap the benefits. Also, it’s possible that you may be stressed without realizing it. Sometimes we get so good at coping on a surface level that those underlying feelings of anxiety and stress are the status quo. Signs of high functioning anxiety include being a people pleaser, dwelling on the negative or overthinking, insomnia, inability to say “no,” lost time (e.g., arriving too early), and mental or physical fatigue. Lastly, reading stress management books can help you empathize and understand others who often feel stressed.
