Stress impacts all facets of our lives and it is having devastating effects on the global economy. Effects such as reduced productivity and the huge burden being placed on healthcare systems around the world. Research has revealed that stress can destabilise our DNA, thereby compromising our genetic integrity, leading to the increase in many of the diseases we as a society are grappling with. Stress on an ongoing basis is one of the biggest challenges faced by the human race but in short bursts it can actually offer tremendous potential to grow, break personal barriers and excel. This book is therefore one of resilience not avoidance. Full of tools and skills to buffer the adverse effects of stress and enhance functionality and health, The Stress Code is a response to the global call for stress management solutions. Supported by extensive scientific research, the book offers comprehensive and structured insights and interventions to assist in thriving in adversity.
Fascinating deep dive into stress. The biological side was interesting, but I like the practical tools and steps that one can take to combat the effect of stress on your body. There was a nice mix of easy to implement and harder to implement things - some come from a place of privilege (not everyone can afford to go for regular massage therapy! Or has access to the less-well known supplements) but others are less likely to be impacted by privilege (although the privilege of time and space still applies) (yoga/exercise, listening to music, getting outdoors).
Well written book. Everything you thought works for stress is researched and facts given on the latest research. Also, nice explanations around the physiology of why something may work to help with stress and why not. Little stories are used to help explain better. I would definitely recommend it, and I think I may need to reread it in a year or 2
Adopt a holistic approach that involves making certain activities a central part of your normal routines. Practice visualization. Soothe yourself with music. Routinely get massages. Take daily nutritional supplements. Practice yoga. Make an effort to support your teammates in practical and emotional ways.
The stress code explores the role stress plays in our everyday lives. It explores why stress is deadly to our health, and what effects it has on the global economy. Sutton offers science-backed strategies for Stress Management to help you improve your physical and mental health, and to achieve your potential on a personal and professional level.
Richard Sutton is a health and performance educator and has worked with Kevin Anderson. The book is well written in terms of what stress is, when it is good and when it is bad. Richard also provides a template to assist the reader with a coping mechanism to deal with chronic stress. This is invaluable. Richard provides detailed research throughout the book to back up his ideas and recommendations.
Full of very good references and scientific explanations of the solutions proposed. English is not my first language, so even though I love the science it's a bit difficult to read, but Richard still always provided a layman's bottom line to all of it, so that helped.
I also loved that he proposes things/actions that can actually be done, without you having to over haul your whole life.