In 'The Stress Solution', Dr. Rangan Chatterjee addresses the modern stress epidemic by offering a four-pillar plan to reset your life. The book focuses on four key areas: body, mind, relationships, and purpose. Chatterjee provides practical and achievable interventions, such as designing an effective morning routine, keeping a touch diary, and managing digital stress. He draws from his experience as a GP and includes personal accounts and patient cases to illustrate the effectiveness of his methods. The book aims to help readers lead a more fulfilled, calmer life by making small but significant changes to their daily routines.
In 'The Four Pillar Plan', Dr. Rangan Chatterjee presents a holistic approach to health by dividing his lifestyle prescription into four pillars: Relax, Eat, Move, and Sleep. Each pillar is sub-divided into five interventions designed to provide small, realistic steps towards better health. The book emphasizes the importance of balance across all four areas and is backed by science and case studies. It includes practical, non-preachy advice and features inspiring photographs and clear illustrations, making it an easy and enjoyable read. Dr. Chatterjee's approach is centered on making small, achievable changes to daily habits, rather than drastic overhauls, and is aimed at helping readers improve their overall well-being and avoid lifestyle-driven illnesses.
In 'Lost Connections', Johann Hari explores the increasing rates of depression and anxiety in the Western world. Through a 40,000-mile journey interviewing experts and visiting various communities, Hari identifies nine causes of depression and anxiety, all centered around the theme of disconnection. These causes include disconnection from meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status and respect, the natural world, and a hopeful or secure future. The book also delves into the role of genes and brain changes. Hari argues that traditional solutions focusing on chemical imbalances are insufficient and proposes alternative solutions based on reconnection, such as social prescribing, community engagement, and addressing societal issues like inequality and lack of social security.
Today we’re going to talk about stress.
In proper doses it’s actually beneficial, promoting resilience -- both physical and mental.
This week’s guest has seen the perils of chronic stress first hand. A UK-based medical doctor, he found himself increasingly treating patients suffering from the downstream implications of living with this malevolence. It prompted him to ask, why is this happening?
His name is Rangan Chatterjee, MD. He decided to find answers to this question -- and do something about it.
If that name sounds familiar, perhaps it’s because you caught him on the BBC, starring in Doctor in the House. Perhaps you read his bestselling book, The Four Pillar Plan, released in the United States under the title How To Make Disease Disappear. Or maybe, just maybe, you caught RRP 376, our popular first conversation from July of 2018 that launched our friendship.
For those unfamiliar, Dr. Chatterjee is a pioneer in the field of progressive, functional medicine. Widely regarded as one of the most influential doctors in the UK, he is double board certified in internal medicine and family medicine and holds an honors degree in immunology. An in-demand lecturer, he created the very first “Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine” course accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners in London.
In addition, he hosts the popular Feel Better, Live More podcast (which I’ve appeared on twice) and has been widely featured on an array of prominent media outlets like the The New York Times, BBC, Forbes, The Guardian, The Financial Times, and many others.
The focus of today’s conversation is also the subject of Rangan’s latest book, The Stress Solution -- an important primer on how chronic stress can lead to disease, along with strategies, tools and lifestyle changes proven to protect against and reverse its toxic effects.
This is a conversation about the very nature of stress. What creates it. The health implications it produces. The many simple things you can do to alleviate it -- and it's varied ill effects.
More specifically, we discuss Rangan’s direct experience fielding patients with chronic stress -- and the science-based strategies he deployed to ameliorate the condition and reverse it’s negative consequences.
We talk about the critical role sleep, meditation and mindfulness practices play in combating stress. And how human touch, intimacy and connecting with nature can assuage it's impact.
We cover breathing techniques. Disconnecting from our devices. Carving out “me time”. The importance of finding passion -- and infusing your life with purpose.
Lastly, we dig into Rangan’s new found love for Swimrun (I’m taking a wee bit of credit for that one Dr. C!).
You can watch it all go down on YouTube.
I think we can all benefit from de-stressing ourselves this holiday season. Both fun and important, my hope is that you listen keenly -- and put Dr. Chatterjee's prescription into action.
Peace + Plants,
Rich
The Rich Roll Podcast 
