Rethinking Stress in an Age of Ease

Stress is a concept that has become both increasingly popularized and misunderstood in society. Today we often think about how ""stressed"" we are, many on a daily basis. This is especially interesting when we consider that as life has become easier, at least from a materialistic standpoint, rates of depression and anxiety in our culture have risen.

It is true that living with too many demands in life can be harmful to our physical and emotional health. But it is equally true that when we believe difficult circumstances are an unnatural part of life, we only set ourselves up for increased fear and sorrow.

Hans Selye, the scientist who discovered how stress operates in the mind and body nearly a century ago, never intended for it morph into the now common idea that all stress is ""bad"" for us. Yet that's precisely what has occurred, driven by three particular social changes in the last half-century.

This little guide is a ""back to the basics"" kind of field manual written for students, but is generally for all ages. By rethinking the proper role that stress plays in our lives, we will be better positioned not only to deal with life's challenges, but to embrace all seasons as a part of our journey while on earth.


""As a longtime clinician and professor of mental health counseling, I have observed college students avoid, escape, and retreat when confronted with overpowering stress. Dr. Elenchin's postmodern, solution-focused guidebook will teach students to confront their stressors directly and with purpose!""
--Christopher Siuta, Associate Professor, St. Bonaventure University

""As a former student of Dr. Elenchin now preparing for graduate studies, this guide to viewing and overcoming stress in a positive light was a must read! Dr. Elenchin has a great deal of information to offer the world from the health-related field. This book is empowering--read it and learn from the best!""
--Emily Sacco, St. Bonaventure University Graduate


William J. Elenchin is an Associate Professor and the chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology at St. Bonaventure University, New York. He is the author of Hidden Courage (2009) and Happy Without the Meal (2013).