Health & Stress Books

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

David Allen

Amazon Price: $10.20 List Price: $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Penguin (Non-Classics) Amazon Marketplace: 137 new & used starting at $5.50

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Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Skills -> Time Management
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 457 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

With first-chapter allusions to martial arts, "flow," "mind like water," and other concepts borrowed from the East (and usually mangled), you'd almost think this self-helper from David Allen should have been called Zen and the Art of Schedule Maintenance.

Not quite. Yes, Getting Things Done offers a complete system for downloading all those free-floating gotta-do's clogging your brain into a sophisticated framework of files and action lists--all purportedly to free your mind to focus on whatever you're working on. However, it still operates from the decidedly Western notion that if we could just get really, really organized, we could turn ourselves into 24/7 productivity machines. (To wit, Allen, whom the New Economy bible Fast Company has dubbed "the personal productivity guru," suggests that instead of meditating on crouching tigers and hidden dragons while you wait for a plane, you should unsheathe that high-tech saber known as the cell phone and attack that list of calls you need to return.)

As whole-life-organizing systems go, Allen's is pretty good, even fun and therapeutic. It starts with the exhortation to take every unaccounted-for scrap of paper in your workstation that you can't junk, The next step is to write down every unaccounted-for gotta-do cramming your head onto its own scrap of paper. Finally, throw the whole stew into a giant "in-basket"

That's where the processing and prioritizing begin; in Allen's system, it get a little convoluted at times, rife as it is with fancy terms, subterms, and sub-subterms for even the simplest concepts. Thank goodness the spine of his system is captured on a straightforward, one-page flowchart that you can pin over your desk and repeatedly consult without having to refer back to the book. That alone is worth the purchase price. Also of value is Allen's ingenious Two-Minute Rule: if there's anything you absolutely must do that you can do right now in two minutes or less, then do it now, thus freeing up your time and mind tenfold over the long term. It's commonsense advice so obvious that most of us completely overlook it, much to our detriment; Allen excels at dispensing such wisdom in this useful, if somewhat belabored, self-improver aimed at everyone from CEOs to soccer moms (who we all know are more organized than most CEOs to start with). --Timothy Murphy

The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal

Jim Loehr, Tony Schwartz

Amazon Price: $10.20 List Price: $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Free Press Amazon Marketplace: 64 new & used starting at $6.13

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 93 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The number of hours in a day is fixed, but the quantity and

quality of energy available to us is not. This fundamental insight has the power to revolutionize the way you live.

As Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz demonstrate in their groundbreaking New York Times bestseller, managing energy, not time, is the key to enduring high performance as well as to health, happiness, and life balance. Their Full Engagement Training System is grounded in twenty-five years of working with great athletes -- tennis champ Monica Seles and speed-skating gold medalist Dan Jansen, to name just two -- to help them perform more effectively under brutal competitive pressures. Now this powerful, step-by-step program will help you to:

· Mobilize four key sources of energy

· Balance energy expenditure with intermittent energy renewal

· Expand capacity in the same systematic way that elite athletes do

· Create highly specific, positive energy management rituals

The Power of Full Engagement is a highly practical, scientifically based approach to managing your energy more skillfully. It provides a clear road map to becoming more physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and spiritually aligned -- both on and off the job.

Organizing from the Inside Out, second edition: The Foolproof System For Organizing Your Home, Your Office and Your Life

Julie Morgenstern

Amazon Price: $10.20 List Price: $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Holt Paperbacks Amazon Marketplace: 83 new & used starting at $3.64

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help -> Personal Transformation

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 171 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

It's about time! Julie Morgenstern has written an organizing book that covers a new way of looking at the task of organizing effectively without labeling or blaming the person behind the lack of organization. Rather, she says, people who don't organize just never learned how to organize, through no fault of their own--after all, it's not a skill that's taught in school. That said, she gets down to work helping you figure out an organizing system that will really work for you, not a system based on cookie-cutter filing concepts or special storage units.

Morgenstern's "from the inside out" system begins by laying out the possible reasons for a failure of organization: technical errors (like having a complex organizing system that breaks down), external realities (like not enough space for your belongings), and psychological obstacles (like fear of failure--or success). Then, her Analyze and Strategize steps help create a plan of action based on your needs and goals, and the brief chapter called "Attack: Getting the Job Done" offers basic ideas for making space. The largest section of the book, "Applying What You've Learned," addresses the specifics of organizing workspaces, home offices, living spaces, and storage areas. Each section has a "How Long Will It Take?" box that gives a realistic time estimate, and Morgenstern's "Julie's No-Brainer Toss List" for each area gives the permission and encouragement that most of us have been waiting for to get rid of things we'll never use again. The section at the end, "Tackling Time and Technology," is worth its weight in DayTimers and PalmPilots. Whatever your organizing issues are, you're not a hopeless case, and you don't need special equipment--just a little understanding of the problem and a willingness to plan before diving in.

Time Management from the Inside Out, second edition: The Foolproof System for Taking Control of Your Schedule--and Your Life

Julie Morgenstern

Amazon Price: $10.20 List Price: $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Holt Paperbacks Amazon Marketplace: 79 new & used starting at $2.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In Organizing from the Inside Out, author Julie Morgenstern used three main strategies to whip a living space or office into shape: "analyze, strategize, attack." Using the same system, Morgenstern now shows readers how to get rid of chaotic schedules in order to live more comfortable and productive lives. Morgenstern likens a cluttered schedule to a cluttered closet. For example, a closet is typically "crammed with more stuff than storage," and a schedule is typically "crammed with more tasks than time."

Those who fear "time management" because they worry about living uncreative or overly scheduled lives will find themselves reassured by Morgenstern's ability to customize her system. The most important thing readers must do, she emphasizes, is to create a time management system that fits one's personal style--whether it be spontaneous and easily distracted or highly regimented and efficient. "Just as everyone's living room looks different, reflecting the individual's or family's values and priorities, everyone's time management system will look different, reflecting what's important to him or her," she explains. Fortunately, readers can easily customize her excellent advice while learning how to create a personal time map, streamline routine tasks, conquer procrastination and chronic lateness, and manage all the inevitable crises and distractions of daily life. Speaking of procrastination, what better time than now to try this book out--ridding yourself of all that draining clutter so you can get on with living the life you want? --Gail Hudson

Bit Literacy: Productivity in the Age of Information and E-mail Overload

Mark Hurst

Amazon Price: $15.63 List Price: $22.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Good Experience Press Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $10.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 94 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Stop complaining about the Information Deluge. Buy 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Mark Hurst [Disclaimer: I think he's a genius] is the best writer I know of who is dealing with the problems PC users, meaning everyone, face every day. "Bit Literacy" contains advice that I use many times a day. While it is a bit of a Jeremiad, he can't be blamed since most people complain bitterly about email, especially spam, and to-do lists and don't ever do anything about it. Mark Hurst shows that the solution lies in prioritization and habit, more than in reliance on technology. Your daily stress level will approach the vanishing point if you merely follow his advice concerning the order in which you should process your email. His goal is nothing less than freeing all of us from tedious nonsense so that we can concentrate on productive, fulfilling work.

I also highly recommend his newsletter [...]written from the perspective of a highly experienced "every-user". Here's a sample:

"Amazon.com, which I generally like, recently lost the ninety-or-so customer reviews of my book 'Bit Literacy.'... As the vast majority of the reviews were very positive, their departure has certainly affected sales."

Mark Hurst does not point out the absurdities and inconsistencies of technologies and companies to appear clever or ahead of the curve. His point is always that "This could happen to you too." He is a true populist and is therefore the ideal guide to point out the ways to make our online existence more satisfying and less vexing.

Editorial Review:

Bit Literacy is essential reading for anyone who has experienced "digital overload": the daily flood of e-mail, multiple todo lists, a cluttered desktop, documents in various file formats, and the constant distraction of cell phones and other devices. More than a quick fix or another "how-to" guide, this book offers an entirely new way of attaining productivity that users at any level of expertise can put into action right away. This is "bit literacy," a method for working more productively in the digital age, with less stress. Mark Hurst - who has reached hundreds of thousands of readers through his Good Experience e-mail newsletter, Uncle Mark technology guides, thisisbroken.com, and other websites - has revealed the way to survive, and thrive, in the digital age: "Let the bits go."

Pain Free at Your PC

Pete Egoscue

Amazon Price: $10.40 List Price: $13.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Bantam Amazon Marketplace: 51 new & used starting at $6.35

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Disorders & Diseases -> Pain Management

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Using a computer doesn't have to hurt.

Prevent or reverse repetitive stress injuries
Cure carpal tunnel syndrome
End chronic wrist, shoulder, and neck pain
Ease eyestrain
Avoid surgery, drugs, and wrist braces


Using a computer should challenge your mind, not your body.

As computers become a larger part of our daily lives both at work and at home, complaints of painful wrists, sore shoulders, stiff necks, and blurry vision associated with computer use continue to soar.

But the good news is that this chronic pain can easily be prevented or cured without surgery or drugs--or expensive "ergonomic" equipment. There's no need to move your monitor, wear wrist braces, or sit in a specially designed chair.

Instead, Pete Egoscue, using the techniques and principles developed at his renowned clinic, shows you how to keep pointing and clicking for hours--pain free.

You'll learn how to:

Avoid or treat common but debilitating repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome
Recognize and remedy problems in posture and movement before they cause pain
Do easy-to-perform exercises at your desk to eliminate chronic hand, wrist, shoulder, back, and neck pain
Quickly and easily correct damaging patterns of motion
And much more

It's Not Ca Tunnel Syndrome! RSI Theory & Therapy for Computer Professionals

Jack Bellis, Suparna Damany

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Simax Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $8.84

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Dangerous information that leads you down an endless path of pain 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I, like many of the reviewers on this site, thought this was the best book written on the subject of RSI. It was my bible for over a year. I bookmarked the pages about stretches and exercises and read them daily. I brought it to my physical therapist, and used the information as a justification and proof of my very real 'physical' injury. The book explained to me and others why my 'poor' posture and 'over' exertion were the cause of regenerative dispositions in my body.

I am a cello player, computer gamer, and person that tends to push themselves very hard.

As far as i am concerned, there is only one part of this book worth the two stars I give it. This is the chapter that briefly mentions in a very skeptical manner a man named John E. Sarno.

I laughed at the description of this Doctor who claimed that the pain was caused by emotions. It was a con and placebo if I ever heard one.

After 2 years of studious, dedicated, fully applied physical therapy, and using the concepts in this book, I was in more pain than I was when I first read it. How could this happen? My anger about my lack of recovery fueled my rage.

Then, my doctor, a specialist in RSI, recommended Sarno's book to me. I remembered reading about Sarno in Damany's book. Could that really have any basis in reality?

So I read Sarno's book and I got better in a week. Send me a message if you don't believe me and I'll tell you again. ONE WEEK.

So, this book, like all the other books on the subject, is completely wrong. It never helped me, it only prolonged my 'injury' for years. I really wish the writers of this book would begin to look at facts rather than assumptions about cures.

Don't read this, don't recommend it. I keep a copy in my library so I am familiar with the literature that misinforms and is contrary to the truth.

Read "The Mind-body Prescription" by John Sarno.

Good luck.

Editorial Review:

This guide offers computer users who suffer from repetitive strain injury (RSI) an effective program for self-care. It explains the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of RSIs and also addresses the often-overlooked root causes of RSIs. This holistic program treats the entire upper body with ergonomics, exercise, and hands-on therapy, increasing the likelihood that surgery and drugs may be avoided.

The One Minute Manager Balances Work and Life (The One Minute Manager)

Ken Blanchard, Marjorie Blanchard, D.w. Edington

Amazon Price: $8.76 List Price: $10.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harper Paperbacks Amazon Marketplace: 49 new & used starting at $3.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This is the story of a One Minute Manager who was so successful in every way that he forgot one important thing: He forgot to stay physically fit. He was so much in demand that he ate on the run, didn't take time to exercise, and all the while saw his weight balloon and his breath grow shorter. He soon discovered success in business was endangering his health. His life was out of balance.For all those busy, achieving people with overcrowded schedules, here is a useful blueprint that shows how to manage stress and make a lifetime commitment to fitness and well-being. By following four important strategies for balancing a complicated life, everyone can get their bodies back into shape and their lives into proper perspective. The One Minute Manager Balances Work and Life offers a way to achieve not only a new, healthier style of living but increased productivity as well. For the millions of readers of Ken Blanchard's bestselling books--including Raving Fans and Gung Ho!--here's invaluable advice for getting the most out of life.

Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person

Barrie S. Jaeger

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $10.10

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Affirming but does not work 3 out of 5 stars.
21 of 23 people found this review helpful.

I so looked forward to getting this book - it's title set an expectation that it may reveal some action(s) to be taken on the path to career fulfillment. It was scattered and a bit shallow, leaving it hard to believe the author "owned" the knowledge claiming to be shared. There were quite a few affirming lines, little new information about being highly sensitive, and no solutions to follow up the conclusions drawn. I found the writing ruminating at times and missing the self discipline and focus that is touted as necessary to make work work. I'm sorely disappointed and would not recommend it to anyone who's in a poor work state or in transition - this book simply observes what it is like to be there and doesn't offer much to help you out.

Editorial Review:

"A perceptive guide."
--Publishers Weekly

This book builds on Elaine Aron's groundbreaking bestseller The Highly Sensitive Person to offer you proven strategies that help you make your extreme sensitivity an asset in the workplace. You will get guidance on stress management, boundary setting, dealing with abusive coworkers, and more. And you will learn how to experience work in a way that is emotionally gratifying as well as financially rewarding.

Office Yoga: Simple Stretches for Busy People

Darrin Zeer

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Chronicle Books Amazon Marketplace: 224 new & used starting at $0.01

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Yoga

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

great office companion 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

this is not hard core yoga, but really who can do that at work anyway? this book has nice, effective yoga moves that can be done at work without changing clothes or drawing alot of attention to yourself. the book is small but hardcover, i have mine on my desk and it always grabs peoples attention. i've reached for this in stressful moments and was glad i had it. the book would make a nice gife. i also have the lovers' yoga and i really, really like that one!

Editorial Review:

Yoga has gone completely mainstream. Sensible people everywhere are saying "Om" and doing postures once a week. Enter the world's easiest yoga book for the place we need it most: work! Renowned teacher Darrin Zeer brings this ancient Indian art to the modern-day office with a fully illustrated, easy-to-use guide offering 75 stress-relieving stretches perfect for the cube environment. Unlike most yoga guides, Office Yoga offers a fun, accessible approach and is useful for both beginners and experts. Exercises are organized by time of day and for a variety of situations—waking stretches, commute exercises, on-the-phone and at-the-copy machine stretches. Humorous and colorful illustrations by Michael Klein enliven exercises that can be performed anywhere from the elevator to the conference room. This handy little book will fit nicely on any desktop, and makes a great gift for the workaholic in your life.