Reading List

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

This course covers progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and brief resets to reduce physical tension and support steadier work in optical practice. The resources below provide professional standards, workplace guidance, and practical self-help materials.

1. Optical Practice and Workplace Guidance

• General Optical Council - Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
  Professional standards covering patient care, communication, safety, honesty, boundaries and working within competence.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-of-practice-for-optometrists-and-dispens.html

• General Optical Council - Standards for Optical Businesses
  Standards for businesses providing optical care, including governance, safety, complaints, staff support and systems that protect patients.
  https://optical.org/en/standards-and-guidance/standards-for-optical-businesses/

• HSE - Stress and mental health at work
  Health and Safety Executive guidance on work-related stress, risk assessment, management standards and employer responsibilities.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/

• NICE - Mental wellbeing at work (NG212)
  UK guidance on creating conditions that support mental wellbeing at work, including organisational and managerial action.
  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng212

2. Relaxation, Breathing and Practical Self-Help

• NHS Inform - Breathing and relaxation exercises
  Practical breathing and relaxation guidance for reducing physical tension and supporting calm.
  https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/breathing-and-relaxation-exercises/

• NHS - Mental wellbeing audio guides
  Short NHS audio guides for mood, anxiety, sleep and relaxation practice.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/mental-wellbeing-audio-guides/

3. Wider UK Support and Self-Help

• NHS - Stress
  Plain-language information on stress, common signs and practical steps for getting support.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

• NHS - Self-help guides, tools and activities
  NHS self-help materials to support coping skills, reflection and signposting when stress is persistent.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/

• nidirect - Workplace stress
  Northern Ireland government guidance on workplace stress, warning signs, responsibilities and practical next steps.
  https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/workplace-stress

Use these sources to practise relaxation techniques, support wellbeing at work and find official help if self-help is insufficient.