The Science of Stress Management: A Guide to Best Practices for Better Well-Being

Dasgupta (The Science of Drinking), a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at McGovern Medical School, provides science-backed methods for a general audience in this research-rich yet accessible text on managing stress. Dasgupta points out that stress cannot be avoided (and reveals a host of potential causes, ranging from financial or career worries to cell phone or internet addiction) and notes that 19 million Americans face stress-related disorders each year. Dasgupta presents a discussion of differences in how men and women typically react to stress, with women being more likely to use “tend and befriend” methods while men have a “fight or flight” response. After a thorough examination of the health problems associated with chronic stress (heart attack, stroke, an dementia among them), Dasgupta delves into a number of potential stress-busters, including pet ownership (with some fascinating factoids—one study found pet owners had 15% fewer annual doctor visits than non-pet owners), social activities, meditation, yoga, exercise, and even dark chocolate. With a lengthy appendix for readers wishing to dig more deeply into the many research studies cited, this text is user-friendly as well as practical and proactive. (Apr.)