The Stress Code: From Surviving to Thriving: A Scientific Model for Stress Resilience

by Richard Sutton

As individuals, we are all impacted by stress – but stress is also having devastating effects on the global economy through reduced productivity as well as the immense burden it places on healthcare systems.

Decades of research reliably show that chronic stress severely compromises our physical and mental health, however it has recently emerged that it can also compromise our genetic integrity by destabilising our DNA. Not only does this promote many of the diseases that society is currently grappling with, it can potentially impact on future generations.

Yet, stress has two faces: While ongoing stress has become one of the greatest global challenges the world has ever faced, short intervals of stress offer tremendous potential. The potential to grow, break personal barriers and excel. Many of our greatest accomplishments in life are realised in times of episodic stress.

Turning the traditional stress paradigm on its head, this book is not one of avoidance, but rather one of resilience. Traditional fears surrounding stress as well as impractical attempts at evasion are replaced with the tools and skills to buffer the adverse effects as well as enhance our functionality and health.

The Stress Code is a positive response to the global call for stress management solutions. Supported by extensive scientific research, this book offers comprehensive and structured insights as well as a repertoire of interventions that will allow you to thrive in adversity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Personal Development

300 pages, Paperback

Published June 28, 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.