THE STRESS BOOK

A self-help book that offers a multipronged approach to stress management.

Foster, the medical director for the Center for Pain and Rehab Medicine in Stockbridge, Georgia, notes early on that the idea of writing this book arose during the first days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when stress and anxiety ramped up around the world. The author draws on 25 years of practicing medicine,particularly treating patients with chronic pain; however, starting from the book’s opening sections, Foster looks at a much wider spectrum of stress-related issues. He initially describes the physical manifestations of stress by discussing the roles of different areas of the human brain, and he goes on to offer practical, step-by-step advice on key triggers for anxiety, from issues involving money and travel to matters of physical health. At every stage of his discussion, he includes illustrations, bullet points, charts, and worksheets with which readers may assess their own stress levels. Whether he’s writing about the tensions of the workplace or the discomfort some people feel about their personal appearance, Foster is always quick to remind his readers that they aren’t the only people experiencing such things. A tone of professional, tough love is prevalent throughout this well-presented work, as Foster refreshingly returns often to the idea of recognizing and addressing problems before they grow into situations that may be harder to manage; he notes that one should get into the habit of not only asking “What is the worst thing that could happen?” but also following it with “What action can I take now to prevent it from happening?” Many readers will find such common-sense, practical wisdom to be invaluable.

A highly readable and cleareyed guide to tackling daily anxieties.