The Stress Code: From Surviving to Thriving

by Richard Sutton

Stress impacts all facets of our lives and has devastating effects on the global economy,
including reduced productivity and the huge burden being placed on healthcare systems.
Decades of research reliably show that chronic stress severely compromises our physical
and mental health. Now it has been discovered that stress can actually destabilise our DNA and
compromise our genetic integrity. This promotes many of the diseases that societies are currently
grappling with and could potentially impact on future generations.
Yet stress has two faces. Ongoing stress is one of the biggest challenges faced globally, but short
intervals of stress can actually offer tremendous potential to grow, break personal barriers and excel.
Turning the traditional stress paradigm on its head, this book does not advocate stress
avoidance, but rather stress resilience, providing tools and skills to buffer the adverse effects of stress
as well as enhance our functionality and health.
The Stress Code is a response to the global call for stress management solutions. Supported
by extensive scientific research, this book offers comprehensive and structured insights along with
interventions that will help you to thrive in adversity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Personal Development

336 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2018

Reviews

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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).

[Tamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Paiman Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Niels Rozemeijer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tool for me, a bit heavy on the biological/mechanical side of what stress is.

[Ivorana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very relatable use cases supported by scientific data.

[Michael Koltsov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing new, but a great overall guide if you struggle with overcoming stress at your work or life.

[Tristan Bills · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ilana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

I would highly recommend this to all.