Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from Progressive Relaxation Techniques for Care Staff.

These resources describe practical relaxation and breathing exercises, and offer workplace guidance for managing stress and supporting staff wellbeing. Use them to practise safely and to recognise when you or a colleague may need support beyond self-help.

1. Relaxation and Breathing Resources

• NHS Inform - Progressive muscle relaxation
  https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/breathing-and-relaxation-exercises/progressive-muscle-relaxation/

• NHS Inform - Controlled breathing exercise
  https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/breathing-and-relaxation-exercises/controlled-breathing-exercise/

• NHS Every Mind Matters - Work-related stress
  https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/work-related-stress/

2. Care-Sector and Workplace Guidance

• CQC - Workforce wellbeing and enablement
  https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-regulation/providers/assessment/single-assessment-framework/caring/workforce-wellbeing-enablement

• Skills for Care - Wellbeing resource finder
  https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Support-for-leaders-and-managers/Managing-people/Wellbeing/Workforce-wellbeing-finder/Wellbeing-resource-finder.aspx

• NICE - Mental wellbeing at work (NG212)
  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng212

• HSE - Stress and mental health at work
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/

3. Social Care Workforce Resources Across the Four Nations

• England - Skills for Care wellbeing resources
  https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Support-for-leaders-and-managers/Managing-people/Wellbeing/Workforce-wellbeing-finder/Wellbeing-resource-finder.aspx

• Scotland - SSSC Workforce wellbeing
  https://www.sssc.uk.com/supporting-your-learning/workforce-wellbeing/

• Wales - Social Care Wales: Your health and well-being
  https://socialcare.wales/resources-guidance/health-and-well-being-resources

• Northern Ireland - nidirect Workplace stress
  https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/workplace-stress

Use this list to practise progressive relaxation and brief resets, and to find employer or statutory guidance if stress or physical tension persists.