cover image The Stress Cure: How to Resolve Stress, Build Resilience, and Boost Your Energy

The Stress Cure: How to Resolve Stress, Build Resilience, and Boost Your Energy

Patrick Holford and Susannah Lawson. Piatkus (IPG, dist.), $24.95 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-0-349-40548-3

Holford and Lawson, who previously coauthored Optimum Nutrition Made Easy, examine the damaging physiological changes triggered by sustained stress while providing a 30-day plan to reverse them in this ultimately useful but densely written guide. The authors cite the increased instance in today’s general population of diabetes, infertility, dementia, and other health issues linked to stress, and they posit that reclaiming optimal health through improved nutrition, sleep patterns, lung capacity, and physical activity can dramatically decrease stress as well as driving up energy and immunity. They provide restorative breathing and relaxation techniques, detox tips, recommendations for nutritional supplements, healthy recipes, and other helpful resources. Indeed, there’s a wealth of information here, but much of it has been heard before, and the level of detail will discourage some readers. However, one could skip to the chapter summaries, practice the stress-reducing “HeartMath” system outlined in the book, and jump right into the 30-day “Stress Cure” program (referencing earlier sections when necessary) and still launch a sound attack on this debilitating condition. (Aug.)