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Stress Pandemic: The Lifestyle Solution: 9 Natural Steps to Survive, Master Stress and Live Well
Are you stressed? Do you feel anxious or on edge a lot of the time? Do you know you suffer from stress but feel powerless to stop it? Do you have trouble sleeping, lack energy and patience, feel frequent sadness or tension, or experience even larger stress-related health problems? Many people would answer yes to these questions. The modern world is a breeding ground for stress; it comes in many forms and has a variety of causes, but any kind of stress can greatly inhibit life and take a serious toll on both body and mind. Written for the growing number of people wishing to free themselves of mild, moderate, or severe stress, Stress Pandemic draws upon organic food pioneer Paul Huljich's experience with stress-related illness, outlining a practical and effective approach to beating stress and achieving complete wellness. Huljich's strategies address the underlying habits and tendencies that cause stress, and he offers a comprehensive lifestyle solution designed to promote both physiological and psychological strength and balance. By learning and following Huljich's uniquely powerful and integrated approach to wellness, readers can live stress-free in a natural and holistic way.
282 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
Paul Huljich
6 books21 followersPaul Huljich was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He attended St. Ignatius Convent, St. Peter’s College, and began a degree in Commerce at the University of Auckland.
His enterprise and ambition was evident from a very early age. With a sense that self-sufficiency was important, he did everything from caddying at the local golf club, collecting bottles, mowing lawns and laboring at construction sites to earn his own money.
During his first year at university, his impatience for success led him to start his own business distributing fruit juices to restaurants and establishments throughout Auckland. In between lectures he would don a white coat and drive his delivery truck around Auckland, distributing products and taking orders. As the demands of his first formal business grew, in line with the nature of his ambition, he dropped out of University to give its growth his full focus. He soon developed distribution to include cookies and other food products. During this time he also began to buy run-down apartments and houses, renovating them to add value for resale. With a motto of turning lemons into lemonade, his first business became a great success.
Over time he developed and grew a variety of small and medium sized business interests in a number of different industries. During these early years of his career, he was always on the search for opportunities where he could see a way to add value, sometimes buying businesses in receivership and restructuring their strategies to turn them around. This experience would set the stage for his continued success.
He had two burning ambitions: one was to feed the body, and the other to feed the soul. Through his passion for good food and his belief that food should not only taste good, but also nourish the body, he became one of the early advocates of organic and natural foods. In 1985 Paul, along with his brothers, founded Best Corporation. Paul, serving as Chairman and Joint-CEO, sought to establish a reputation for excellence and superior quality. Best targeted the bacon, ham and pork products industry in New Zealand, an industry that exhibited over-capacity, falling sales, negative growth, poor profit margins, fierce competition, and a reputation for unhealthy products.
Best established a reputation in the pork products industry and used this as a platform for organic products. Best became a huge success and later developed a similar range of products in Australia, investing an enormous amount of resources into research and development for organic foods. Best was instrumental in encouraging farmers to turn their land into organic-farming land in both New Zealand and Australia. The company specialized in a wide range of foods for export, and found great success in developing organic foods for what they considered to be the most demanding market in the world, Japan.
After a successful period of growth, Best Corporation listed on the stock exchange in December, 1991, with an initial market capitalization of $36 million. Two and a half years later, when the Corporation was acquired by a multinational food company, Best de-listed with a market capitalization of $137 million.
Paul Huljich is a person who is able to think outside the square, often replying to the statement “It cannot be done” with the question, “Why not?” His search for excellence was well-incorporated in Best Corporation’s motto, “Good, Better, Best; Never shall we rest; Until our good is better; And our better, best.” He has always believed that the consumer is king and when he witnesses the growing awareness of high-quality natural foods throughout the world, he is proud of his involvement in the initial stages of the organic food industry worldwide.
In 1998, Paul was diagnosed by several psychiatrists as suffering from Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, and experienced a full mental breakdown that year, losing his rights as a New Zealand citizen and b
His enterprise and ambition was evident from a very early age. With a sense that self-sufficiency was important, he did everything from caddying at the local golf club, collecting bottles, mowing lawns and laboring at construction sites to earn his own money.
During his first year at university, his impatience for success led him to start his own business distributing fruit juices to restaurants and establishments throughout Auckland. In between lectures he would don a white coat and drive his delivery truck around Auckland, distributing products and taking orders. As the demands of his first formal business grew, in line with the nature of his ambition, he dropped out of University to give its growth his full focus. He soon developed distribution to include cookies and other food products. During this time he also began to buy run-down apartments and houses, renovating them to add value for resale. With a motto of turning lemons into lemonade, his first business became a great success.
Over time he developed and grew a variety of small and medium sized business interests in a number of different industries. During these early years of his career, he was always on the search for opportunities where he could see a way to add value, sometimes buying businesses in receivership and restructuring their strategies to turn them around. This experience would set the stage for his continued success.
He had two burning ambitions: one was to feed the body, and the other to feed the soul. Through his passion for good food and his belief that food should not only taste good, but also nourish the body, he became one of the early advocates of organic and natural foods. In 1985 Paul, along with his brothers, founded Best Corporation. Paul, serving as Chairman and Joint-CEO, sought to establish a reputation for excellence and superior quality. Best targeted the bacon, ham and pork products industry in New Zealand, an industry that exhibited over-capacity, falling sales, negative growth, poor profit margins, fierce competition, and a reputation for unhealthy products.
Best established a reputation in the pork products industry and used this as a platform for organic products. Best became a huge success and later developed a similar range of products in Australia, investing an enormous amount of resources into research and development for organic foods. Best was instrumental in encouraging farmers to turn their land into organic-farming land in both New Zealand and Australia. The company specialized in a wide range of foods for export, and found great success in developing organic foods for what they considered to be the most demanding market in the world, Japan.
After a successful period of growth, Best Corporation listed on the stock exchange in December, 1991, with an initial market capitalization of $36 million. Two and a half years later, when the Corporation was acquired by a multinational food company, Best de-listed with a market capitalization of $137 million.
Paul Huljich is a person who is able to think outside the square, often replying to the statement “It cannot be done” with the question, “Why not?” His search for excellence was well-incorporated in Best Corporation’s motto, “Good, Better, Best; Never shall we rest; Until our good is better; And our better, best.” He has always believed that the consumer is king and when he witnesses the growing awareness of high-quality natural foods throughout the world, he is proud of his involvement in the initial stages of the organic food industry worldwide.
In 1998, Paul was diagnosed by several psychiatrists as suffering from Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, and experienced a full mental breakdown that year, losing his rights as a New Zealand citizen and b
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June 8, 2012
Stress Pandemic
By Paul Huljuch
255pp. USA
Midpoint Trade Books $16.95
ISBN: 978-0-615-48920-9
According to the World Health Organization, 450 million people globally and 26.2% of Americans 18 or older suffer from mental disorders. They estimate that by 2020, depression would be the second most widespread disease globally. But what does this have to do with stress? Why, stress is the leading cause of mental illness. Author of Stress Pandemic has first handedly experienced chronic stress, a serious unbalance in his life. After curing himself, he has decided to share his knowledge of the sometimes subtle pandemic.
Symptoms of stress include obsessive or compulsive behaviors, having trouble sleeping, sadness, tension, hostility, lack of energy and patience, feeling worthless, mental illness, having an imbalance of appetite, disorganization, forgetfulness, reduced work efficiency, and nervous habits. Most of the time, they are not visible, not easily noticeable. Causes of stress consist of but are not limited to dating, time pressure, poor sleep, poor diet, marriage, pregnancy, moving homes, financial issues, not meeting goals, legal problems, committing to a major financial decision, a job change, or dealing with accidents.
Being this book does teach the reader how to cure and reduce stress, Huljich made a list comprised of 9 steps, which are to be taken to tackle stress problems.
1. Take Charge: recognize that you are stressed and commit to change your ways
2. Kick bad habits: decrease dependence on addictions
3. Learn to say no: do not commit to obligations you do not have time or energy for
4. Affirmations: focus on affirmations
5. Exercise: exercise and reflect on yourself
6. Nutrition: take your time eating, avoid processed foods, drink water, eat organic
7. Sleep: sleep to allow the body to heal and recuperate
8. Power of awareness: know when to say yes or no
9. Don’t give up: practice the nine steps for 30 days
Aside from providing advice, Huljich also teaches the reader a lot about the human body, and particularly the brain and related hormones and chemicals. I was able to relate this to AP Biology, as we also touched upon Adrenaline, dopamine, endorphins, hormones, melatonin, neurotransmitters, serotonin, and norepinephrine. He even provides food pyramids and a table teaching the reader about mercury found in fish, as well as a glycemic index food chart. What I found most interesting though, were charts about sleep and a diagram about foot reflexology. A teenager is supposed to have 8.5-10 hours of sleep, but we clearly do not sleep even close to that amount. I was also surprised to find that during REM, brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, respiration, and sexual arousal increases. And a fun fact, walking barefoot can stimulate 7200 nerve endings in the feet.
Finally, at the end of the book is a tool created to measure the likelihood of a person developing a mental sickness due to stress. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially teenagers though, because it is essential to be educated on this topic. Teenagers are typically very stressed out, so it would be helpful to learn how to cope with and relieve it. There is also dietary information as well as information about our bodies that the public really needs to know about, but doesn’t.
By Paul Huljuch
255pp. USA
Midpoint Trade Books $16.95
ISBN: 978-0-615-48920-9
According to the World Health Organization, 450 million people globally and 26.2% of Americans 18 or older suffer from mental disorders. They estimate that by 2020, depression would be the second most widespread disease globally. But what does this have to do with stress? Why, stress is the leading cause of mental illness. Author of Stress Pandemic has first handedly experienced chronic stress, a serious unbalance in his life. After curing himself, he has decided to share his knowledge of the sometimes subtle pandemic.
Symptoms of stress include obsessive or compulsive behaviors, having trouble sleeping, sadness, tension, hostility, lack of energy and patience, feeling worthless, mental illness, having an imbalance of appetite, disorganization, forgetfulness, reduced work efficiency, and nervous habits. Most of the time, they are not visible, not easily noticeable. Causes of stress consist of but are not limited to dating, time pressure, poor sleep, poor diet, marriage, pregnancy, moving homes, financial issues, not meeting goals, legal problems, committing to a major financial decision, a job change, or dealing with accidents.
Being this book does teach the reader how to cure and reduce stress, Huljich made a list comprised of 9 steps, which are to be taken to tackle stress problems.
1. Take Charge: recognize that you are stressed and commit to change your ways
2. Kick bad habits: decrease dependence on addictions
3. Learn to say no: do not commit to obligations you do not have time or energy for
4. Affirmations: focus on affirmations
5. Exercise: exercise and reflect on yourself
6. Nutrition: take your time eating, avoid processed foods, drink water, eat organic
7. Sleep: sleep to allow the body to heal and recuperate
8. Power of awareness: know when to say yes or no
9. Don’t give up: practice the nine steps for 30 days
Aside from providing advice, Huljich also teaches the reader a lot about the human body, and particularly the brain and related hormones and chemicals. I was able to relate this to AP Biology, as we also touched upon Adrenaline, dopamine, endorphins, hormones, melatonin, neurotransmitters, serotonin, and norepinephrine. He even provides food pyramids and a table teaching the reader about mercury found in fish, as well as a glycemic index food chart. What I found most interesting though, were charts about sleep and a diagram about foot reflexology. A teenager is supposed to have 8.5-10 hours of sleep, but we clearly do not sleep even close to that amount. I was also surprised to find that during REM, brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, respiration, and sexual arousal increases. And a fun fact, walking barefoot can stimulate 7200 nerve endings in the feet.
Finally, at the end of the book is a tool created to measure the likelihood of a person developing a mental sickness due to stress. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially teenagers though, because it is essential to be educated on this topic. Teenagers are typically very stressed out, so it would be helpful to learn how to cope with and relieve it. There is also dietary information as well as information about our bodies that the public really needs to know about, but doesn’t.
Read
March 23, 2013Stress is a part of life. With the world moving as fast as it seems to today; with no privacy left; with the economic situation, most of us are overloaded. The adrenaline is continually charged. Most of us do not get enough sleep; most of us have no idea of the value and necessity of rest.
This author had it all, worked continually for all of it, and finally just broke down. None of it meant anything and disabling depression set in. With appropriate care, with months of recovery time, the diagnosis was the usual 'you will need these medicines for the rest of your life.' That was not, he decided, where he wanted to go, where he wanted to be.
He did not want the medicines, nor the labeling of who he was that comes with it. Thus, he began his work on stress and developed his program for coping with it, in his case, gradually without the medication.
This is not a book filled with the proverbial ten dollar words of psychobabble. It is down to earth, includes diet and exercise, right thinking, and the importance of how you work with stress in your life, negatively, or pro-actively, accepting it for what it is, allowing it its place, but not allowing it to overwhelm, lead to depression, etc.
The thing I like most about this book is his idea of the old you versus the new you.
How you get to that place is explained fully, and if you are tired of the old you, tired of feeling depressed, out of touch, even out of control, let him take you to the place where you can find the new you. I didn't just read this book, I worked with it, and his ideas work! Go for the new you. It just might bring joy when you find you under all the stuff that keeps piling on. Once you find you, the rest of the “stuff” falls into its proper place.
The journey he lays out for you is most certainly worth the trip. And don't most of us need to lose a whole truckload of baggage that weighs us down?
This author had it all, worked continually for all of it, and finally just broke down. None of it meant anything and disabling depression set in. With appropriate care, with months of recovery time, the diagnosis was the usual 'you will need these medicines for the rest of your life.' That was not, he decided, where he wanted to go, where he wanted to be.
He did not want the medicines, nor the labeling of who he was that comes with it. Thus, he began his work on stress and developed his program for coping with it, in his case, gradually without the medication.
This is not a book filled with the proverbial ten dollar words of psychobabble. It is down to earth, includes diet and exercise, right thinking, and the importance of how you work with stress in your life, negatively, or pro-actively, accepting it for what it is, allowing it its place, but not allowing it to overwhelm, lead to depression, etc.
The thing I like most about this book is his idea of the old you versus the new you.
How you get to that place is explained fully, and if you are tired of the old you, tired of feeling depressed, out of touch, even out of control, let him take you to the place where you can find the new you. I didn't just read this book, I worked with it, and his ideas work! Go for the new you. It just might bring joy when you find you under all the stuff that keeps piling on. Once you find you, the rest of the “stuff” falls into its proper place.
The journey he lays out for you is most certainly worth the trip. And don't most of us need to lose a whole truckload of baggage that weighs us down?
January 1, 2015
A great, must-read book! I wanted to read this book because I am not in love with my profession anymore, and I am looking for a new profession as the work related stress is taking a toll on my overall health! This book explains it all, as well as the author's story; which is absolutely remarkable by the way! If you want to get rid of the stress in your life, you probably already NEED to get rid of the stress that is silently and not so silently wrecking havoc on your body. There are perfectly fitting quotes throughout the book, charts, appendix's, a glossary, food, sleep and exercise visuals as well as great resources at StressPandemic.com and http://www.liferestyle.org/
This really is a must read book if you want your life to change! I know after reading Paul's book the things I need to pay extra close attention to and act upon more than I have been. We all need to be empowered to create a life worth living and not under that thing called constant stress. Being over-stressed is no longer a badge of honor, get healthy, be you, love life! Thanks Paul for the opportunity to win this book on Goodreads.com. I will keep the book out in the open where I can reference it when needed, and absolutely will gift copies of your books to friends and co-workers who I think could use them. Thanks for sharing your story and allowing all of us to utilize the information you gained from your struggles to get healthy, have less stress and live fulfilling lives! With gratitude!
This really is a must read book if you want your life to change! I know after reading Paul's book the things I need to pay extra close attention to and act upon more than I have been. We all need to be empowered to create a life worth living and not under that thing called constant stress. Being over-stressed is no longer a badge of honor, get healthy, be you, love life! Thanks Paul for the opportunity to win this book on Goodreads.com. I will keep the book out in the open where I can reference it when needed, and absolutely will gift copies of your books to friends and co-workers who I think could use them. Thanks for sharing your story and allowing all of us to utilize the information you gained from your struggles to get healthy, have less stress and live fulfilling lives! With gratitude!
July 8, 2012
This was an interesting look into that malady we all suffer from, especially in the current economic time: stress. In a simple, straight-forward manner, the author explains the causes and the consequences of stress, and then, how to manage it.
The way the book is divided makes for clear reading. There are bullet points and end of chapter summaries which help the reader look back quickly at the main topics covered. There is a bit of repetition, which can get a tad frustrating, but if you can overlook that, this book makes for some enlightening reading.
The best part for me was the steps to reduce stress. The author goes step by step, explaining everything that can help alleviate stress, stating examples and urging us to try them out for ourselves. It’s a very encouraging book, and one that makes you want to get right down to fighting this debilitating illness that strikes all of us.
I do recommend this self-help book for pretty much everyone.
The way the book is divided makes for clear reading. There are bullet points and end of chapter summaries which help the reader look back quickly at the main topics covered. There is a bit of repetition, which can get a tad frustrating, but if you can overlook that, this book makes for some enlightening reading.
The best part for me was the steps to reduce stress. The author goes step by step, explaining everything that can help alleviate stress, stating examples and urging us to try them out for ourselves. It’s a very encouraging book, and one that makes you want to get right down to fighting this debilitating illness that strikes all of us.
I do recommend this self-help book for pretty much everyone.
August 2, 2012
To self-helpish for me, but not totally without merit.
I appreciated the sense that people can decrease their dependence on medication simply by recognizing stress factors and then altering the habitual ways that they reacted to those stresses.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do I have the necessary time and energy to devote to commitments that I don't feel strongly about, or are they causing me substantial and unnecessary stress in my life?
Am I following my innermost feelings when making decisions, or an I afraid of the consequences? Am I making my life less enjoyable and more stressful by not following my innermost feelings?
What do I currently tell myself in my daily life? What patterns do I reinforce by the words that I say to myself? Are these reinforcements helping me, and if they are not, how can I reprogram them?
I appreciated the sense that people can decrease their dependence on medication simply by recognizing stress factors and then altering the habitual ways that they reacted to those stresses.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do I have the necessary time and energy to devote to commitments that I don't feel strongly about, or are they causing me substantial and unnecessary stress in my life?
Am I following my innermost feelings when making decisions, or an I afraid of the consequences? Am I making my life less enjoyable and more stressful by not following my innermost feelings?
What do I currently tell myself in my daily life? What patterns do I reinforce by the words that I say to myself? Are these reinforcements helping me, and if they are not, how can I reprogram them?
May 22, 2012
Who of us doesn't stress out? This author provides easily digestible steps in drastically reducing stress in very easy, accessible ways that any one can do -- there are no $5,000/weekend spa recommendations -- it's all about being kind to yourself and your body with reasonable effort each day.
Paul Huljich has a fascinating personal story that could easily become a book itself - but the author stays focused on helping the reader attain health and peace - not talking about his rise as CEO of a major international food company based in New Zealand who found himself in Menigners in Topeka, KS. It's a humble author spreading the common sense information with his fellow human beings of all walks of life.
Thank you, Paul, for writing a book that has impacted my life!
Paul Huljich has a fascinating personal story that could easily become a book itself - but the author stays focused on helping the reader attain health and peace - not talking about his rise as CEO of a major international food company based in New Zealand who found himself in Menigners in Topeka, KS. It's a humble author spreading the common sense information with his fellow human beings of all walks of life.
Thank you, Paul, for writing a book that has impacted my life!
May 22, 2012
This book provided me with easy to follow, manageable, great tips on beating stress. I am definitely one to stress out so thank you thank you thank you to this author for helping me master that negative energy!
January 14, 2015
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. I was extremely disappointed to say the least. The reason the book attracted me is because I'm always on the lookout for life improvement insight. I love a good self help book and read them often, and I expect to get something out of them the way I would any kind of book. To me, that is what books are for. I'm not necessarily looking for a cure or a guideline to my life. I just like to feel like I've gained something when I turn that final page. With this book, I gained nothing. In fact, I feel like I lost a bunch of time I could've spent reading other books that I was eager to get into. Having just finished Brené Brown's "The Gifts of Imperfection", I have been on a journey of self-reflection and eagerness to live my life wholeheartedly, vulnerably, and ultimately, contentedly. Brown's book was full of nuance and what seemed to be true passion for her research of which she collected so much of. Huljich's on the other hand read like an infomercial. I couldn't get the image of a creepy cult-like leader telling a group of $500-a-head conference attendees, "YES YOU CAN!" and the audience screaming back "YES WE CAN". Huljich starts off his book stating how he's cured himself of bipolar disorder. All from just 9 steps? Alert the medical community! Do they know this? Basically, it all came across as superficial B.S. There was no point made throughout that called out to me or that I found particularly noteworthy or interesting. I felt I could write the book myself based on common sense. Everything he wrote was just his experience and I guess some research, but I'm sure the research was nothing more than a thorough Google search. Even the examples he gave of real life people who tried his steps felt contrived and superficial. Meet John Smith - he was about to commit suicide but then he read Stress Pandemic and he was instantly cured! It was basically reduced to that kind of thinness. I wanted to be kinder to this book. I really did. I just couldn't. I've seen subway ads with more depth than this, and at the end of the day that is really what this book was - a cheap ad for something that I have no desire to buy.
May 20, 2023
BOOK REVIEW: STRESS PANDEMIC BY PAUL HULJICH
288 pages, Mwella Publishing
Release date: July 1, 2012
Note: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher for purpose of review.
In today’s world, it seems we are constantly under attack from stress from multiple sources. These stress points, allowed to continue unchecked; undermine our health in a variety of ways both mental and physical. This book has outlined very specifically, a plan by which we can not only reduce the stress in our life, but overcome it entirely; thereby improving our health vastly and adding years to our lifespan.
The author, Paul Huljich, had reached what most of us would consider the pinnacle of success as a very well-to-do business owner. What he failed to realize though, despite a tell tale sign here or there; was the dire toll that stress was taking on his health. He eventually reached the point of a complete breakdown and was ultimately diagnosed with stress-induced bipolar disorder by numerous medical professionals. This diagnosis carried with it a life-time sentence of multiple drugs and the prediction that he would have relapses from time to time throughout the years. The story of how Paul overcame his devastating, stress-induced mental illness and proved the medical professionals wrong is nothing short of amazing.
In this book Paul has outlined for all of us the nine specific steps he followed to eliminate stress from his life and to live a healthy life, both mentally and physically. While most people hide their present or past mental illnesses because of the stigma attached to those conditions, Paul has come forward in an effort to help others and to prevent them from experiencing the illness and collapse that devastated his life. This book is an integral tool and lesson that we can all use and learn from. I highly recommend it to everyone.
288 pages, Mwella Publishing
Release date: July 1, 2012
Note: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher for purpose of review.
In today’s world, it seems we are constantly under attack from stress from multiple sources. These stress points, allowed to continue unchecked; undermine our health in a variety of ways both mental and physical. This book has outlined very specifically, a plan by which we can not only reduce the stress in our life, but overcome it entirely; thereby improving our health vastly and adding years to our lifespan.
The author, Paul Huljich, had reached what most of us would consider the pinnacle of success as a very well-to-do business owner. What he failed to realize though, despite a tell tale sign here or there; was the dire toll that stress was taking on his health. He eventually reached the point of a complete breakdown and was ultimately diagnosed with stress-induced bipolar disorder by numerous medical professionals. This diagnosis carried with it a life-time sentence of multiple drugs and the prediction that he would have relapses from time to time throughout the years. The story of how Paul overcame his devastating, stress-induced mental illness and proved the medical professionals wrong is nothing short of amazing.
In this book Paul has outlined for all of us the nine specific steps he followed to eliminate stress from his life and to live a healthy life, both mentally and physically. While most people hide their present or past mental illnesses because of the stigma attached to those conditions, Paul has come forward in an effort to help others and to prevent them from experiencing the illness and collapse that devastated his life. This book is an integral tool and lesson that we can all use and learn from. I highly recommend it to everyone.
March 16, 2015
4.5 I found quite a bit of useful information in this book. I was really surprised to see some of the negative comments/reviews. At no point does the author claim to be a doctor or medical professional, but he is saying these methods worked for him. And I believe that there are points made within the book that can be applied to each individual, but I understand that all information is not universal. If you have any stress in your life, some/all of these methods can certainly help - that's the point - so, pick and choose what sections most apply to you. The section I found most valuable to me, was the "Learn to Say No" chapter. I have a tendency to want to help everyone, even if it has meant sacrificing my own wants/needs. I'm not saying that because of this book I'm going to start putting my foot down, but it was certainly a reminder that taking on too much creates stress in my life. One of my goals this year was/is to make more time for myself - yoga, saying no to invitations I'd typically accept out of guilt or obligation etc. Additionally, the author makes this book SUPER easy to reference the sections you most want to re-read. Each section has a summary with important points and questions to ask yourself. Then, at the very end of the book there are even more summaries and useful information supporting each section. Furthermore, there is a website for even more information. There were a few other points made that I wanted to include, but my notes are at home. Update to follow.
I would like to thank Paul Huljich, and Goodreads for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. It's one I will keep handy and refer back to at some point. I even like the paper that was used to publish this book. It may or may not have been intentional, but it reminds me of a travel guide.
I would like to thank Paul Huljich, and Goodreads for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. It's one I will keep handy and refer back to at some point. I even like the paper that was used to publish this book. It may or may not have been intentional, but it reminds me of a travel guide.
July 16, 2012
We all have stress in our lives, it is just how we handle this stress is the key. I think in this day and age what with all the conveniences of our digital world, we find ourselves having to constantly do more and more in a day. Stress affects our work, school and family and if not under control and handled by each and every one of us, we could find ourselves in the same situation as the author of Stress Pandemic, Paul Huljich, He suffered a complete mental breakdown. While in treatment Paul started doing research on stress and while doing so he wanted to share what he has learned by writing this book.
In the book Paul has outlined the nine steps to mastering stress:
Step 1: Take Charge
Step 2: Kick Your Bad habits
Step 3: Learn to Say No
Step 4: Affirmations
Step 5:Exercise
Step 6: Nutrition
Step 7: Sleep
Step 8: the Power of Awareness
Step 9: Don't Give Up
In the back of the book there is a big section on resources, a glossary of terms used in the book, suggestions for breathing and stretching exercises, nutrition, sleep and some very interesting appendixes. I found this book to be very interesting, well thought out and researched and what I liked the most is that it was written by someone who actually had the mental illness caused by stress as opposed to something written by a self help guru who never experienced what Mr. Huljich has. I highly recommend it if you are wanting to change your life in a way that does not add to the stress you may already have.
In the book Paul has outlined the nine steps to mastering stress:
Step 1: Take Charge
Step 2: Kick Your Bad habits
Step 3: Learn to Say No
Step 4: Affirmations
Step 5:Exercise
Step 6: Nutrition
Step 7: Sleep
Step 8: the Power of Awareness
Step 9: Don't Give Up
In the back of the book there is a big section on resources, a glossary of terms used in the book, suggestions for breathing and stretching exercises, nutrition, sleep and some very interesting appendixes. I found this book to be very interesting, well thought out and researched and what I liked the most is that it was written by someone who actually had the mental illness caused by stress as opposed to something written by a self help guru who never experienced what Mr. Huljich has. I highly recommend it if you are wanting to change your life in a way that does not add to the stress you may already have.
July 2, 2016
So, I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started reading this book - after all what is a ‘life-re-style’ (other than the obvious)? I was interested in this book because the title included the word ‘stress’. Stress is something I deal with fairly often - at various levels - and I’m still working on getting it under control. So anything that I can take to help, I look for.
This book is very repetitive, not just within chapters, but within pages and even paragraphs. It took 53 pages just to list what the first of the steps was (there is a diagram on page 43 that has all nine steps listed, but it is not explicit what they are). Many of these steps seem obvious in hindsight (like eating and sleeping right), but when you are stressed out, it is hard to remember to do these things. But the way they were presented sounds like it is right out of an informercial or a self-help program held at a hotel conference room.
The book is filled with cartoon, quotes, questions to ask yourself, and contains a glossary and a list of references. About a quarter of the book is devoted to the author's personal story.
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book is very repetitive, not just within chapters, but within pages and even paragraphs. It took 53 pages just to list what the first of the steps was (there is a diagram on page 43 that has all nine steps listed, but it is not explicit what they are). Many of these steps seem obvious in hindsight (like eating and sleeping right), but when you are stressed out, it is hard to remember to do these things. But the way they were presented sounds like it is right out of an informercial or a self-help program held at a hotel conference room.
The book is filled with cartoon, quotes, questions to ask yourself, and contains a glossary and a list of references. About a quarter of the book is devoted to the author's personal story.
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
April 9, 2013
I have tried to read this book for months and I just can't get through it. I have live with a chronically depressed person for almost 20 years. We tried diet,exercise, and meditation without success (my spouse was unmedicated for the first half of our lives together). I am deeply bothered by the author not distinguishing between clinical and chronic depression, I'm glad the steps he took worked for him as no one should have to live with depression, but these steps are useless for those with a chronic or genetic issue. I am also deeply bothered to him referring to such mental diseases as "conditions", this term was widely used 20 years ago as a way to dismiss depression as imaginary. His use of this term may result from him not being a native to the United States and being unfamiliar with the connotations the word has when it comes to mental illness here. I feel that using "conditions" to describe depression and other health issues sets us back when they are just being seen as real and dangerous diseases.
July 24, 2012
Stress Pandemic by Paul Huljich will be a boon to those who are inspired by examples. Mr. Huljich talks directly to the stressed of the business world. His own story reads like fiction. A successful businessman in the health industry, he developed symptoms of a “major depressive disorder," bipolar disorder, and suffered a complete mental breakdown. After being treated with medication and told his health would not improve, he ceased medication and over a period of two years gained vibrant health.
His book outlines his story and the Nine Natural Steps to Survive, Master Stress and Live Well. With an emphasis on diet, exercise, and meditation, Stress Pandemic teaches by example and offers much practical advice in one place. And a positive mental attitude From ward of the state, through research and positive life changes, he created a routine that saved his life.
His book outlines his story and the Nine Natural Steps to Survive, Master Stress and Live Well. With an emphasis on diet, exercise, and meditation, Stress Pandemic teaches by example and offers much practical advice in one place. And a positive mental attitude From ward of the state, through research and positive life changes, he created a routine that saved his life.
July 28, 2012
I received this ARC as through GoodRead's First Reads.
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it's a decent self-help book. The "9 Natural Steps" are well outlined and the bullet points at the end of each step and in the summary chapter are a useful tool.
While I am happy that the author was able to regain his life, I do find that these 9 steps aren't for everyone. But doing at least some of them will probably be helpful. I especially liked the idea of "earthing", touching the ground with your skin, which is not a concept I usually think about.
The only section I really had difficulties with was the "personal story". I really couldn't identify with the author's life and found myself skimming large parts of this section.
Overall, I think this is a good book for the right person, but that person is not me.
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it's a decent self-help book. The "9 Natural Steps" are well outlined and the bullet points at the end of each step and in the summary chapter are a useful tool.
While I am happy that the author was able to regain his life, I do find that these 9 steps aren't for everyone. But doing at least some of them will probably be helpful. I especially liked the idea of "earthing", touching the ground with your skin, which is not a concept I usually think about.
The only section I really had difficulties with was the "personal story". I really couldn't identify with the author's life and found myself skimming large parts of this section.
Overall, I think this is a good book for the right person, but that person is not me.
July 23, 2012
Stress often seems inescapable but this book teaches ways to avoid becoming overcome by stress while keeping your mind and body naturally healthy. I won this book in a First Reads giveaway and I felt like it arrived at just the right time, full of words and ideas that I needed to hear. I found myself jotting down passages and page numbers so I could relay insightful information to friends and family. I will keep this book and refer to any time I am feeling overwhelmed. Although it would be a great read for anyone (who do you know that doesn't experience stress?), I feel it would be particularly good for students or people who are in a period of transition in their lives (career changes, relocation, empty nesters, etc). Thank you, Mr. Huljich for sharing your incredible story!
February 23, 2013
Not much new information here. The author's "nine natural steps" include proper diet, exercise, relaxation, sleep; to name a few. It seems to me that the author is describing a "holistic" approach to life, which doesn't come as a surprise, since he is the founder of an organic, natural food company.
There is talk of addictions in this book, and some of the author's ideas and suggestions, I do not agree with. He tells his story of how he completely stopped taking medication for mental disorders by living this "life style". I'm sorry, but I don't agree. If you have a chemical imbalance in the brain, it might not be advisable to stop medication. Some may need to stay on medication for life.
I can't recommend this book.
There is talk of addictions in this book, and some of the author's ideas and suggestions, I do not agree with. He tells his story of how he completely stopped taking medication for mental disorders by living this "life style". I'm sorry, but I don't agree. If you have a chemical imbalance in the brain, it might not be advisable to stop medication. Some may need to stay on medication for life.
I can't recommend this book.
March 9, 2012
What a wonderful handbook on managing stress! It's common sense that we all need time for ourselves, to exercise and to maintain a healthy lifestyle - but to have someone like Paul - who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder after a nervous breakdown from so MUCH stress - BEAT his diagnosis and live well using his 9 steps in the book shows that it works! I love having an easy-to-reference guide like this! It's a good reminder when I get overwhelmed!
August 12, 2013
What a remarkable story! What a triumph! In Stress Pandemic, Paul Huljich shares his candid and informative cautionary tale, his journey and his ultimate success in fortifying himself and mastering his stress. This book is a primer on developing and implementing his nine-step LifeReStyle Process, which everyone should read. "Meet" Paul Huljich on The Halli Casser-Jayne Show, Wednesday, August 14, 3 pm ET. Listen live online @ http://bit.ly/U4EEMd. DE-STRESS!
April 13, 2014
"Stress Pandemic" has a good plan to master stress. Some of the ideas are a little goofy, but overall gradually adapting most of the ideas will help someone handle stress. I know because of the nine steps I already do several, and see the value of doing much of the others. I wish I had a book like this when I was a teenager and stress ruined my life, ignorance is not bliss. Ineffectively handling stress is misery.
January 6, 2015
Great Read! It has some info & advice we have all heard before but it's presented in a way that I can retain it. Repetition is how we learn. I loved hearing the info again! There's also so much in the book that rings home with me. I am a stress machine! I know the book cannot remove stress from my life, but I am planning on changing my relationship with stress!
Happiest of New Years to all!
Happiest of New Years to all!
December 17, 2014
I happened to receive this book (which I was lucky enough to win...must been a sign) just weeks before the holidays. Yet another sign. Stress is a huge factor in my life and I need to find healthier outlets. I love that there are a lot of visual aids to reference. I will be keeping this book on my desk for a handy reference for future use. I also enjoy that he willingly shared his own personal journey with struggles. As a Minnesota native I enjoyed learning he'd visited our Mayo Clinics.
May 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this account of a man overcoming his diagnosis and changing his lifestyle to treat his symptoms naturally. Learning about the author's struggle was very engaging and lent a lot of power to his steps.
The 9 steps were based in common sense and are very doable. I liked how the author explained his point of view through each instead of it just being a list of steps.
The 9 steps were based in common sense and are very doable. I liked how the author explained his point of view through each instead of it just being a list of steps.
August 14, 2012
This book is a very compelling look at societal views toward mental illness, as well as a personal step-by-step account of 'beating' a mental illness. Though this book made a number of great points, the verbiage seemed oversimplified and redundant. This is a good read if you want a nudge towards a path of wellness, but I would be wary of any book that claims to cure an in-curable illness.
August 18, 2016
I was hoping that this would be similar to the National Geographic documentary on stress--informative. This book was about one guy's experience, and the steps he took to overcome it, which are all common sense. That makes it not quite frou-frou, but it definitely wasn't the scientific tome I was hoping for.
June 26, 2013
Quick read. MOst of the pages are ways to implement the techniques the author used. I like how he starts the book off with the 9 steps then goes into his background story. Lots of references and positivity.
August 30, 2012
Although most of the information was not new, the author did a good job of organizing it in a way that should be useful for people looking for ways to overcome stress. The account of the ordeal he went through was compelling.
September 14, 2012
It's a well-made book. I like how there are pages that are each a different shade of green (my favorite color). The book puts together some good ideas about handling stress. The book flows well and makes it an easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2012
Paul Huljich wrote such an informative and easy to understand book on stress and how to free yourself of it. He gives us nine steps to follow to manage stress. I keep this book by my chair and read certain sections often. I won this through LibraryThing and I recommend it.
July 16, 2013
While this book consists of an organized set of steps to follow in combating stress, there really isnt anything new here. I found the overemphasis on west coast political correctness a bit off-putting. This book is good, just not earth shatteringly so.
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