Good Stress

The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things

Ten protocols to counteract the “chronic ease” that creates our modern epidemic of dis-ease, from a wellness industry leader who can prove they work—because he’s tested them on himself.

Jeff Krasno, the founder and CEO of the global wellness platform Commune Media, thought he was pretty healthy. Though he suffered from brain fog, chronic fatigue, and bouts of insomnia, those symptoms seemed utterly normal in today’s society. When he learned he had diabetes, his first thought was, How can that be? I run a wellness company!

His diagnosis propelled him to consult every expert at his disposal and engage in intensive “me-search” in order to turn his health around. On this journey, he began to form a larger picture of what’s wrong with our health in the modern world. In Good Stress—co-authored with his wife, Schuyler Grant, who shepherded him through 300-plus interviews with doctors and helped distill the results into actionable information—Jeff shares what he’s learned and outlines a practical program for readers to reset their own health.

Jeff explains that the comforts and conveniences of modern life in the developed world undermine our biology. Humans evolved with Paleolithic stressors and scarcity, which conferred health and resilience.

Modern life sets us up for diabetes, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and more. Chronic disease is the result of chronic ease: an endless abundance of calories, sedentary desk jobs, exposure to blue light, and separation from nature. To come back into balance, we need to thoughtfully subject our bodies and minds to the stressors we’re naturally built for.

This book distills the hundreds of conversations that Jeff has had with acclaimed teachers and practitioners in mind-body wellness, including Gabor Maté, Mark Hyman, Marianne Williamson, and Dr. Sara Gottfried. Jeff gives readers uncommonly wise and relatable guidance for 10 practices to extend both our lifespan and our healthspan, including:

  • Time-restricted eating
  • Cold and heat exposure
  • Light therapy
  • Eating “stressed plants”
  • Building our “psychological immune system” and more

For each practice, Jeff shares his own experience (there’s a great story of how Wim Hof finally convinced him to get into an ice bath); unpacks the science behind it, the place it has in our culture, and the effects it has on body and mind; and explains how to undertake it safely and mindfully.
“Jeff Krasno is one of my favorite teachers and a truly wise guide for growth. Good Stress beautifully reveals that so many of our stressors become our strengths. The grounded wisdom and actionable strategies make this a must-read for true well-being.”
Brendon Burchard, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Motivation Manifesto and High Performance Habits

“In Good Stress, Jeff Krasno eloquently bridges the ancient wisdom of Eastern thought with modern scientific insights. This profound work reveals how Buddhist teachings on impermanence and interconnection anticipated groundbreaking discoveries in epigenetics, neuroplasticity, and the microbiome. This book is a masterful exploration of how embracing life’s challenges can unlock our innate potential for growth, healing, and transformation.”
Deepak Chopra, best-selling author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

“Jeff's evolution from entrepreneur to author and thought leader embodies the transformative potential within each of us. In Good Stress, he adeptly merges mysticism with medicine, presenting deep revelations on how embracing discomfort can catalyze authentic growth and healing. Jeff's prose serves as a poignant reminder that genuine wellness emerges not from evading challenges, but from boldly embracing them with fortitude and inquisitiveness. This book stands as a road map for individuals seeking to leverage the potency of ‘good stress’ to revolutionize their health, mindset, and overall life experience.”
Gabrielle Bernstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Universe Has Your Back

“Jeff Krasno masterfully delves into how embracing life’s challenges can profoundly transform our health and well-being. As someone who has dedicated my life to teaching the power of growing your own food—specifically sprouting—I was thrilled to see Jeff spotlight this practice as a prime example of ‘good stress.’ The process of sprouting, especially broccoli sprouts, embodies the hermetic effect, where a little stress at the cellular level triggers powerful health benefits, including boosting our body’s defenses and activating sulforaphane production. This book beautifully guides us back to our roots, to reconnect with nature, and reclaim our well-being. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to tap into the life-changing benefits of doing hard things for a healthier, more vibrant future.”
Doug Evans, author of The Sprout Book

“This groundbreaking guide masterfully blends personal anecdotes, cutting-edge research, and practical protocols to help us reconnect with our biological roots. By adopting Krasno’s deliberate short-term acute stress techniques, readers can unlock the evolutionary benefits that foster resilience and longevity. This transformative book is essential for anyone seeking to harness the power of ‘in-convenience’ to achieve optimal health and well-being.”
David Perlmutter, M.D., F.A.C.N., #1 New York Times best-selling author of Grain Brain and Drop Acid

“In Good Stress, my longtime friend Jeff Krasno takes us on an extraordinary journey from CEO to health advocate, blending wisdom from Eastern philosophy with the science of functional medicine. I’ve watched Jeff transform from a successful business leader at Wanderlust to a passionate storyteller who dives deep into the power of adversity mimetics. This book beautifully weaves ancient teachings on impermanence and interconnection with practical protocols that challenge the body and mind, showing us that true growth comes from embracing life’s hard edges. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to unlock the healing potential of ‘good stress.’”
Mark Hyman, M.D., co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Function Health and 15-time New York Times best-selling author

“In Good Stress, Jeff Krasno masterfully illustrates the profound impact evolutionary mismatches have on our health and well-being. This book dives deep into the science of why our modern comfort-filled life, while seemingly benign, is at odds with our genetic makeup. With a focus on the transformative power of fasting—a topic near to my practice—and other eustress protocols, Jeff provides a compelling blueprint for realigning our lifestyle with our biology. This is not just a book; it’s a call to action to embrace the stressors that refine us, challenge us, and ultimately lead us to a vibrant life. A must-read for anyone looking to break free from the grip of chronic ease and reclaim their health.”
Dr Will Cole, New York Times best-selling author of Intuitive Fasting and Ketotarian

“This book is a game-changer in understanding how to reclaim our health by embracing adversity. Having witnessed Jeff’s transformation firsthand, I can attest to his commitment to mastering the science of the body—especially in the realm of blood sugar regulation and metabolic health. Jeff beautifully weaves together practical insights with deep wisdom, drawing on the same protocols we both use—intermittent fasting, cold plunging, sauna, and resistance training. Jeff’s journey from pre-diabetes to vibrant health is inspiring, and this book offers a road map for anyone looking to harness the power of ‘good stress’ to thrive.”
Dr. Sara Gottfried, New York Times best-selling author of The Hormone Cure and leading expert in functional medicine

“In Good Stress, Jeff Krasno deftly uncovers how modern culture has hijacked our biology, leading to a host of health challenges that stem from evolutionary mismatches. From the pitfalls of industrial agriculture to the dangers of sedentary living, temperature neutrality, and digital-only communication, Jeff provides a clear, science-backed road map for reclaiming our natural vitality. This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to realign their lifestyle with how we’re truly wired, empowering us to harness the power of ‘good stress’ to become stronger, healthier, and more resilient.”
Jillian Michaels, New York Times best-selling author of Master Your Metabolism

“Jeff Krasno brings a courageous approach to the most challenging conversations of our time. By applying the concept of adversity mimetics to healing our political divide, Jeff shows us that the discomfort of these dialogues can actually be a basis for growth, empathy, and the recognition of our shared humanity. This book is a profound reminder that facing our fears and moving through them can transform not only our personal lives, but also our collective journey toward a more unified and compassionate society.”
Marianne Williamson, New York Times best-selling author of A Return to Love

Good Stress jumps off the pages as they are read. This book is like an experiential orgy of insights, experiences, and the tapestry of life’s journey and how to live it. I thought that over the past fifty years in the health and wellness field that I had heard it all—until reading Jeff Krasno’s masterpiece. This book not only takes you on a joyous trip but is capable of changing your perception of stress and making it your friend.”
Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., FACN, founder of the Institute for Functional Medicine

"Jeff has penned a vastly informed, dead-to-rights honest description of current health maladies, mysteries, and myths. He humorously and incisively walks a path that takes the reader to vitality and well-being, showing that a rebirth of our body and self is available to all."
Paul Hawken, New York Times best-selling author of Drawdown
Jeff Krasno is the CEO and founder of Commune Media, a masterclass platform for well-being featuring the world’s most renowned authors and teachers. As the face of the platform, Jeff hosts the Commune podcast, which features over 520 episodes and currently generates over 750,000 monthly downloads, where he has interviewed a wide variety of luminaries from Deepak Chopra to Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey. In addition, Jeff pens a weekly “Commusing” essay exploring well-being, spirituality, and culture that is distributed to an email list of over one million people.

The Commune brand comes to life on a 10-acre retreat center and production facility in Topanga, California, where Jeff hosts immersive events, book launches, and masterminds—including regular retreats where he lectures and leads participants through the protocols of Good Stress.

A prolific cultivator of community, Jeff is also the co-creator of Wanderlust, a global series of wellness events that have been integral to popularizing the practice and principles of yoga in the U.S. and beyond. In 2016, he was selected by Oprah Winfrey to be part of the SuperSoul100 as one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs.

Jeff is married to his college sweetheart, Schuyler Grant. They live in Los Angeles and have three daughters.

Schuyler Grant is the founder and co-director of Kula Yoga Project in NYC, the co-creator of Wanderlust, and co-owner/director of the Commune Topanga retreat center. Schuyler developed a unique and beloved style of alignment-based vinyasa called Kula Flow. The advanced teacher training she has led for over two decades has minted teachers and studio owners worldwide. She was also a creator of the 200- and 300-hour trainings for both Kula and Wanderlust. She is a regular contributor to the Commune platform, which hosts a dozen of her asana and breathwork courses. She is especially proud of Empowered Birth, a course she hosted and co-produced to support women’s journey through pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.

Schuyler opened the first Kula just two blocks north of Ground Zero in 2002, in an effort to help bring some heart and community back to Lower Manhattan. She is exceedingly proud that Kula is still going strong in SoHo and Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She now resides in Los Angeles, with her beloved Jeff Krasno, their three daughters, and four chickens. She leads regular retreats and trainings, and considers herself exceptionally lucky to still love vinyasa-style yoga—and the same man—after all these years.

www.onecommune.com

About

Ten protocols to counteract the “chronic ease” that creates our modern epidemic of dis-ease, from a wellness industry leader who can prove they work—because he’s tested them on himself.

Jeff Krasno, the founder and CEO of the global wellness platform Commune Media, thought he was pretty healthy. Though he suffered from brain fog, chronic fatigue, and bouts of insomnia, those symptoms seemed utterly normal in today’s society. When he learned he had diabetes, his first thought was, How can that be? I run a wellness company!

His diagnosis propelled him to consult every expert at his disposal and engage in intensive “me-search” in order to turn his health around. On this journey, he began to form a larger picture of what’s wrong with our health in the modern world. In Good Stress—co-authored with his wife, Schuyler Grant, who shepherded him through 300-plus interviews with doctors and helped distill the results into actionable information—Jeff shares what he’s learned and outlines a practical program for readers to reset their own health.

Jeff explains that the comforts and conveniences of modern life in the developed world undermine our biology. Humans evolved with Paleolithic stressors and scarcity, which conferred health and resilience.

Modern life sets us up for diabetes, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and more. Chronic disease is the result of chronic ease: an endless abundance of calories, sedentary desk jobs, exposure to blue light, and separation from nature. To come back into balance, we need to thoughtfully subject our bodies and minds to the stressors we’re naturally built for.

This book distills the hundreds of conversations that Jeff has had with acclaimed teachers and practitioners in mind-body wellness, including Gabor Maté, Mark Hyman, Marianne Williamson, and Dr. Sara Gottfried. Jeff gives readers uncommonly wise and relatable guidance for 10 practices to extend both our lifespan and our healthspan, including:

  • Time-restricted eating
  • Cold and heat exposure
  • Light therapy
  • Eating “stressed plants”
  • Building our “psychological immune system” and more

For each practice, Jeff shares his own experience (there’s a great story of how Wim Hof finally convinced him to get into an ice bath); unpacks the science behind it, the place it has in our culture, and the effects it has on body and mind; and explains how to undertake it safely and mindfully.

Reviews

“Jeff Krasno is one of my favorite teachers and a truly wise guide for growth. Good Stress beautifully reveals that so many of our stressors become our strengths. The grounded wisdom and actionable strategies make this a must-read for true well-being.”
Brendon Burchard, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Motivation Manifesto and High Performance Habits

“In Good Stress, Jeff Krasno eloquently bridges the ancient wisdom of Eastern thought with modern scientific insights. This profound work reveals how Buddhist teachings on impermanence and interconnection anticipated groundbreaking discoveries in epigenetics, neuroplasticity, and the microbiome. This book is a masterful exploration of how embracing life’s challenges can unlock our innate potential for growth, healing, and transformation.”
Deepak Chopra, best-selling author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

“Jeff's evolution from entrepreneur to author and thought leader embodies the transformative potential within each of us. In Good Stress, he adeptly merges mysticism with medicine, presenting deep revelations on how embracing discomfort can catalyze authentic growth and healing. Jeff's prose serves as a poignant reminder that genuine wellness emerges not from evading challenges, but from boldly embracing them with fortitude and inquisitiveness. This book stands as a road map for individuals seeking to leverage the potency of ‘good stress’ to revolutionize their health, mindset, and overall life experience.”
Gabrielle Bernstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Universe Has Your Back

“Jeff Krasno masterfully delves into how embracing life’s challenges can profoundly transform our health and well-being. As someone who has dedicated my life to teaching the power of growing your own food—specifically sprouting—I was thrilled to see Jeff spotlight this practice as a prime example of ‘good stress.’ The process of sprouting, especially broccoli sprouts, embodies the hermetic effect, where a little stress at the cellular level triggers powerful health benefits, including boosting our body’s defenses and activating sulforaphane production. This book beautifully guides us back to our roots, to reconnect with nature, and reclaim our well-being. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to tap into the life-changing benefits of doing hard things for a healthier, more vibrant future.”
Doug Evans, author of The Sprout Book

“This groundbreaking guide masterfully blends personal anecdotes, cutting-edge research, and practical protocols to help us reconnect with our biological roots. By adopting Krasno’s deliberate short-term acute stress techniques, readers can unlock the evolutionary benefits that foster resilience and longevity. This transformative book is essential for anyone seeking to harness the power of ‘in-convenience’ to achieve optimal health and well-being.”
David Perlmutter, M.D., F.A.C.N., #1 New York Times best-selling author of Grain Brain and Drop Acid

“In Good Stress, my longtime friend Jeff Krasno takes us on an extraordinary journey from CEO to health advocate, blending wisdom from Eastern philosophy with the science of functional medicine. I’ve watched Jeff transform from a successful business leader at Wanderlust to a passionate storyteller who dives deep into the power of adversity mimetics. This book beautifully weaves ancient teachings on impermanence and interconnection with practical protocols that challenge the body and mind, showing us that true growth comes from embracing life’s hard edges. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to unlock the healing potential of ‘good stress.’”
Mark Hyman, M.D., co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Function Health and 15-time New York Times best-selling author

“In Good Stress, Jeff Krasno masterfully illustrates the profound impact evolutionary mismatches have on our health and well-being. This book dives deep into the science of why our modern comfort-filled life, while seemingly benign, is at odds with our genetic makeup. With a focus on the transformative power of fasting—a topic near to my practice—and other eustress protocols, Jeff provides a compelling blueprint for realigning our lifestyle with our biology. This is not just a book; it’s a call to action to embrace the stressors that refine us, challenge us, and ultimately lead us to a vibrant life. A must-read for anyone looking to break free from the grip of chronic ease and reclaim their health.”
Dr Will Cole, New York Times best-selling author of Intuitive Fasting and Ketotarian

“This book is a game-changer in understanding how to reclaim our health by embracing adversity. Having witnessed Jeff’s transformation firsthand, I can attest to his commitment to mastering the science of the body—especially in the realm of blood sugar regulation and metabolic health. Jeff beautifully weaves together practical insights with deep wisdom, drawing on the same protocols we both use—intermittent fasting, cold plunging, sauna, and resistance training. Jeff’s journey from pre-diabetes to vibrant health is inspiring, and this book offers a road map for anyone looking to harness the power of ‘good stress’ to thrive.”
Dr. Sara Gottfried, New York Times best-selling author of The Hormone Cure and leading expert in functional medicine

“In Good Stress, Jeff Krasno deftly uncovers how modern culture has hijacked our biology, leading to a host of health challenges that stem from evolutionary mismatches. From the pitfalls of industrial agriculture to the dangers of sedentary living, temperature neutrality, and digital-only communication, Jeff provides a clear, science-backed road map for reclaiming our natural vitality. This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to realign their lifestyle with how we’re truly wired, empowering us to harness the power of ‘good stress’ to become stronger, healthier, and more resilient.”
Jillian Michaels, New York Times best-selling author of Master Your Metabolism

“Jeff Krasno brings a courageous approach to the most challenging conversations of our time. By applying the concept of adversity mimetics to healing our political divide, Jeff shows us that the discomfort of these dialogues can actually be a basis for growth, empathy, and the recognition of our shared humanity. This book is a profound reminder that facing our fears and moving through them can transform not only our personal lives, but also our collective journey toward a more unified and compassionate society.”
Marianne Williamson, New York Times best-selling author of A Return to Love

Good Stress jumps off the pages as they are read. This book is like an experiential orgy of insights, experiences, and the tapestry of life’s journey and how to live it. I thought that over the past fifty years in the health and wellness field that I had heard it all—until reading Jeff Krasno’s masterpiece. This book not only takes you on a joyous trip but is capable of changing your perception of stress and making it your friend.”
Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., FACN, founder of the Institute for Functional Medicine

"Jeff has penned a vastly informed, dead-to-rights honest description of current health maladies, mysteries, and myths. He humorously and incisively walks a path that takes the reader to vitality and well-being, showing that a rebirth of our body and self is available to all."
Paul Hawken, New York Times best-selling author of Drawdown

Author

Jeff Krasno is the CEO and founder of Commune Media, a masterclass platform for well-being featuring the world’s most renowned authors and teachers. As the face of the platform, Jeff hosts the Commune podcast, which features over 520 episodes and currently generates over 750,000 monthly downloads, where he has interviewed a wide variety of luminaries from Deepak Chopra to Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey. In addition, Jeff pens a weekly “Commusing” essay exploring well-being, spirituality, and culture that is distributed to an email list of over one million people.

The Commune brand comes to life on a 10-acre retreat center and production facility in Topanga, California, where Jeff hosts immersive events, book launches, and masterminds—including regular retreats where he lectures and leads participants through the protocols of Good Stress.

A prolific cultivator of community, Jeff is also the co-creator of Wanderlust, a global series of wellness events that have been integral to popularizing the practice and principles of yoga in the U.S. and beyond. In 2016, he was selected by Oprah Winfrey to be part of the SuperSoul100 as one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs.

Jeff is married to his college sweetheart, Schuyler Grant. They live in Los Angeles and have three daughters.

Schuyler Grant is the founder and co-director of Kula Yoga Project in NYC, the co-creator of Wanderlust, and co-owner/director of the Commune Topanga retreat center. Schuyler developed a unique and beloved style of alignment-based vinyasa called Kula Flow. The advanced teacher training she has led for over two decades has minted teachers and studio owners worldwide. She was also a creator of the 200- and 300-hour trainings for both Kula and Wanderlust. She is a regular contributor to the Commune platform, which hosts a dozen of her asana and breathwork courses. She is especially proud of Empowered Birth, a course she hosted and co-produced to support women’s journey through pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.

Schuyler opened the first Kula just two blocks north of Ground Zero in 2002, in an effort to help bring some heart and community back to Lower Manhattan. She is exceedingly proud that Kula is still going strong in SoHo and Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She now resides in Los Angeles, with her beloved Jeff Krasno, their three daughters, and four chickens. She leads regular retreats and trainings, and considers herself exceptionally lucky to still love vinyasa-style yoga—and the same man—after all these years.

www.onecommune.com