The 20-Minute Break: Reduce Stress, Maximize Performance, and Improve Health and Emotional Well-Being Using the New Science of Ultradian Rhythms

Defines ultradian rhythms, tells how they affect us, and how they can be used advantageously

Therapist Rossi teams up with health-writer Nimmons to promote the benefits to be gained from exploitation of ``ultradians,'' or the natural biological rhythms that occur more than once a day (circadian rhythms are those that occur about once a day, and infradians less than once a day). According to the theory presented here, our mind-body systems need a restful healing or rejuvenation period of about 20 minutes every 90 to 120 minutes. Ignoring this need leads to a plethora of physical and emotional problems; responding to it brings a host of benefits, including better mental and physical health, higher job performance, reduced stress, a better sex life, and weight control. However, the symptoms that Rossi and Nimmons list as indicative of distress are so common that it is virtually impossible not to have at least one of them, and the proclaimed benefits are so desirable that one cannot reject them. Moreover, little hard data are provided to back up the authors' claims. There is the usual anecdotal evidence, and reference is made to studies that may or may not be relevant, but ultimate acceptance of the concept of the ``Ultradian Stress Syndrome'' and the ``Ultradian Healing Response'' requires an act of faith. The psychobabble quotient is high, and the text is replete with guidelines, questions and answers, and checklists encouraging readers to tune into their mind-body talk--plus caveats not to try too hard or expect too much too soon. More New Age therapy for self-help fans; a wait-and-see book for skeptics. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Rossi, a psychology researcher and disciple of clinical hypnotherapist Milton Erickson, introduces the concept of ultradian rhythms, or biological cycles of rest and activity that regulate physical and mental health. Approximately every 90-120 minutes, he asserts, the mind and body give clues signaling the need for rest and change in physical and mental activity. Rossi shows that ignoring these signals may lead to fatigue, stress, and ultimately psychosomatic illness. He recommends taking 20-minute breaks that lead to renewed energy and improved performance. He provides guidelines for monitoring one's own ultradian rhythms to aid in physical training, weight reduction, improving family and sexual relations, and managing stress. Recommended for popular psychology and consumer health collections.
- Lucille Boone, San Jose P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.