Transforming Stress: The Heartmath Solution for Relieving Worry, Fatigue, and Tension

by Doc Childre, Deborah Rozman, Paul J. Rosch (Foreward)

It's the quintessential buzz word of modern life. It hangs on everyone's lips from the first miles of the morning commute until the screeching alarm clock starts yet another day. Countless articles and studies tell the same story: lives controlled by unmanaged stress end early and none too well. This book describes a simple, straightforward method readers can learn and practice to literally transform stress by shifting the heart's own rhythms. At the core of the HeartMath method of emotional regulation is the idea that, by focusing on positive feelings such as appreciation, care, or compassion, anyone can create dramatic changes in his or her heart rhythms. These changes precipitate a series of neural, hormonal, and biochemical events that dissipate stress and anger and lead to greater well-being. The benefits from using this system are remarkable and far-reaching: blood pressure drops, stress hormone levels fall, immune system activity increases, and anti-aging hormone levels rise. Through its interactive learning system, this book teaches readers to use the HeartMath method, enabling them to see and experience in real time how thoughts and emotions affect their heart rhythms. It teaches them how to engage their hearts to bring emotion, body, and mind into balance, and helps them stay in a zone of focused clarity, optimal health, and high performance. Changes brought about through this method are fast-acting and long-lasting, the perfect antidote to our chaotic and fast-paced lives. HeartMath is a registered trademark of the Institute of HeartMath.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Health

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Zenobia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old book, but great information.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is HeartMath? How does it transform stress and what does in entail? This short book (138 pages) answers these questions and gives clear instructions on how to perform 4 techniques.

What I liked: The book is short and to the point. It covers the whys and references the research, but does not get bogged down in lengthy explanations. The four techniques are explained simply and concisely and are introduced with writing prompts to help clarify the processes.

What I didn't like: Nothing. I think this is a really good introduction to HeartMath.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quote from the book sums up the contents: "As people open their hearts more, emotional understanding will bring them insights before science is able to explain the whole process." Many of the HeartMath techniques in this book are in others but the wording and tone used in this one are completely aligned with my own way of thinking and processing. I'm really comfortable with the idea that stress comes from your perceptions and reactions to them. Shift from the brain to the heart and you can broaden your perceptions and release your stress.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The language in this book is a little dated perhaps, but it has been transformative for me. Just enough exercises, and techniques are as simple as they are profound. Highly recommend. I already bought Chaos to Coherance because I think I need to always have a heart math book going!! : )

[Potent Skittles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting nuggets, if you are already meditating, this is like a stepping stone to that.

[Laura Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro che crea un collegamento tra scienza e intuizione; sconvolgente e rivoluzionario.

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, slowing going through the concepts and bringing them into my life.

[Daniel Seifert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This text is an approach to stress reduction and coping mechanisms from a medical or physiological perspective influenced by meditative practices. I hope to gain some insight with middle life experiences and with my ongoing counseling practice. Introducing this text to a client recently revealed an appreciation of the integration of the body and spirit: the recalling of the ancient Greek word 'kardia' for "seat of emotion" coupled with the modern physiological organ, as well as the paradox of stress conveyed in the Chinese word for having two characters for danger and opportunity to transform stress into healthy, positive feelings and creative energy.

[Soyeun · Rating 3 out of 5]

A therapist friend recommended this book. It is an approach that is accompanied by light monitoring with measurement tools. Without the monitoring, the exercises would probably be effective too (like meditation) but the book's many references to Heart Math (the overall system) and the testimonials give the content a tone of marketing material.

To be fair, the Heart Math approach is clearly indicated on the book cover.

The methods could reduce stress. Remember: The transformative value of any method should be regarded as a snapshot over a lifetime of effort and any testimonial is just about which method got there "first" at a particular time.

[Anne]

Got part way into it & realized that although it's described as "self-help" it's geared more towards someone who's working through it with a counselor or life coach. As I'm not, then it's something I don't think I'm going to pursue just now.

[Delrae Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recommendation from The Metabolic Plan - very practical and easy techniques to incorporate.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource if you are interested in lowering stress levels.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer on HeartMath and how to lower your stress levels. I assign this one to every client.