Stress Relief

Many teenagers feel beleaguered in a world where they face increasingly high expectations but greater uncertainties at home, at school, and in the world at large. From fear-inducing infomercials about AIDS and the hazards of smoking, drugs, and drinking, to the War on Terrorism and the threat of biological warfare or worse, today's teens are dealing with adult issues and problems previous generations were not. With little power to control or affect outcomes, it's no wonder that stress and stress-related problems have become widespread among today's young people. Mark Powell has written Stress Relief specifically to make eliminating stress an art form. Written in a style that appeals to a teen audience, this accessible volume is not about managing stress, but rather about preventing and avoiding it and eliminating the feelings it causes. This is a clear, grounded, and masterly guide, playful and energetic in its voice, yet, at the same time, challenging and inspiring. This book is packed with insightful thoughts, ideas, and techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, affirmation and creative visualization, and tips on herbs and bodywork. It empowers teens by giving them control over their lives.

Describes the causes of stress, how to recognize and deal with them, and how to alleviate the stress itself by using such methods as breathing exercises, meditation, and creative visualization.

Describes the causes of stress, how to recognize and deal with them, and how to alleviate the stress itself by using such methods as breathing exercises, meditation, and creative visualization.

Lucy Schall - VOYA

This library reference publisher ventures into the teen market with this new series, "It Happened to Me: The Ultimate Teen Guide". Stress Relief, which attempts a more humorous tone than the other books, defines stress and its roots in culture, identifies it as an inner rather than an outer force, and proposes "short-term" stress relieving techniques while working toward "radiant inner peace." Unlike Everything You Need to Know About Stress (Rosen, 2001), it employs repetitious, more abstract text rather than an accessible, step-by-step plan. Powell frequently refers to Richard Carlson, but fails to mention Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens (Hyperion, 2000). Nor does the author emulate Carlson's approach-one used by the other two books in the series-with short, manageable explanations and concrete teen examples, a minimum of technical language, and few references to adult practitioners. Powell also mentions Stephen R. Covey but fails to cite Sean Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (Fireside, 1998). He recommends Eastern thought but does not offer young adult resources as examples. Promising to draw on the experiences of teens who have lived with the books' social issues, illness, or lifestyle topics, the series as a whole employs comprehensive, accessible, and current information presented clearly with user-friendly organization. Because of significant differences in tone, organization, format, and quality, however, a buyer should evaluate each volume separately. Index. Illus. Photos. Biblio. Further Reading. VOYA Codes: 2Q 2P J S (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High,defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2002, Scarecrow Press, 99p. PLB

Mark Powell is a Physical Education Teacher at City of Lakes Waldorf School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is also a certified Rolfer, Nutritional Consultant, and Spiritual Practitioner.