Stressaholic

Chronic multitasking and ever-increasing demands on our time and energy have caused a neurochemically-based dependence on sources of stress and stimulation to provide fuel for our chaotic lifestyles. While this may boost performance in the short-term, studies have consistently shown that when stress hormones are elevated over time they create the worst form of internal wear and tear; decreasing productivity, wasting time, and even killing brain cells. As a result, modern society is tired and wired, suffering from physical exhaustion while mentally amped up, and unable to get adequate rest.

Stress in and of itself is not bad, and is actually utilized for growth when balanced with adequate recovery. The solution to stress addiction is to build in and prioritize optimal rest and relaxation on a holistic level—body, mind, and spirit—in order to consistently recharge and create a more resilient operating system.

Stressaholic shows you how to win the war on stress without limiting progress by creating an optimal performance pulse of stress and recovery for life.

• Explains the impact of chronic stress on the human operating system; body, mind, and spirit
• Shows how a simple shift in mindset can dramatically alter physiological responses to stress
• Reveals simple techniques for altering daily stress patterns to improve natural rhythms, creating a personalized performance pulse

With easy to implement tips and real-world examples of people and organizations that have turned stress into sustainable drive, Stressaholic will guide you on your journey from exhaustion to enlightenment!

Foreword Dr. Daniel L. Kirsch ix

Preface Monkey Business xiii

Introduction The Crash xvii

I Understanding Stress Addiction 1

1 Are You a Stress Addict? 3

2 Why Taking It Easy Is Hard 25

3 How to Use Stress for Success 39

II Recharge Your Energy 53

4 Step 1: Rest 55

5 Step 2: Repair 87

6 Step 3: Rebuild 105

III Reprogram Your Operating System 119

7 Step 4: Rethink 121

8 Step 5: Redesign 137

Final Thoughts 157

Notes 163

Resources 169

Index 173

HEIDI HANNA, PHD, has trained thousands of individuals on practical ways to incorporate nutrition, fitness, and positive psychology strategies to improve productivity and performance. Heidi is CEO and founder of SYNERGY, a coaching and consulting company that specializes in customized health and wellness solutions for individuals and organizations. As an experienced speaker, Heidi has been featured at many national and global conferences, including the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit and the ESPN Women's Leadership Summit.

Chronic multitasking and ever-increasing demands on our time and energy have caused a neurochemically based dependence on sources of stress and stimulation to provide fuel for our chaotic lifestyles. While this may boost performance in the short term, studies have consistently shown that when stress hormones are elevated over time they create the worst form of internal wear and tear, decreasing productivity, wasting time, and even killing brain cells. As a result, modern society is tired and wired, suffering from physical exhaustion while mentally amped up and unable to get adequate rest.

Stressaholic explains the impact of chronic stress on the body, mind, and spirit, and shows how a simple shift in mindset can dramatically alter the body's response to stress. The Stressaholic Recovery Process restores system-wide resilience toward stress in five simple steps, which include:

• Rest to balance brain chemistry with strategic relaxation and recovery
• Repair to calm and nourish cells with energy-enhancing nutrients
• Rebuild to strengthen mental and physical fitness to optimize energy
• Rethink to optimize your perspective to see stress as a challenge instead of a threat
• Redesign to develop "BEATs" that provide structure for ongoing energy management

Stressaholic shows you how to win the war on stress without limiting your progress by creating an optimal performance pulse of stress and recovery for life. With easy-to-implement tips and real-world examples of individuals and organizations that have turned stress into sustainable drive, Stressaholic will guide you on your journey from exhaustion to enlightenment!