Cambridge Business Association
The Stress Code
Book

The Stress Code

From Surviving to Thriving

Richard Sutton
Pan Macmillan, 2018
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Scientific
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Health and performance consultant Richard Sutton provides a scientifically based and comprehensive report on stress – what it is, what causes it, what its effects are and how you can manage it. Sutton explains, counterintuitively, that stress also can improve personal development and growth. As a physical trainer and performance expert, Sutton has worked with top-flight athletes – some of the world’s most highly stressed performers. Sutton outlines a “resilience model” you can implement.

Summary

Stress is good and bad. A little stress can help people grow. A lot of stress can ruin people. 

Stress, which is ubiquitous, can be both good and bad. A little stress at the right time can serve as the forced but needed impetus that sparks growth and success – and in prehistoric times, fight-or-flight survival.

It’s largely impossible to avoid stressful circumstances. Stress can lead to numerous negative and potentially debilitating challenges to your physical and mental well-being. Heavy doses of continual stress can destroy or shorten lives.

Chronic stress can cause fear, increased blood pressure, heartbeat issues, headaches/migraines, sweating, prematurely aged skin, sexual issues, problems with digestion, “hearing loss/ringing in ears, reduced kidney function, more frequent urination [and] sleeplessness.” Other negative effects include a reduction in your drive to accomplish your goals, indulging in antisocial actions, and suffering unease, fright and a constant sense of uncertainty.

People who suffer from chronic stress have a strong susceptibility to colds and flu. Their appetite often increases. So does...

About the Author

Health and performance educator Richard Sutton has advised top athletes, Olympic teams and international sporting federations. He consults with leading companies on stress resilience, employee engagement and productivity.

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