Noting that most traditional examinations of stress view it as a medical condition, this guide takes an anthropological approach and reveals a less threatening picture of this natural response to danger. Using narratives from people in very stressful situations - including a spy, an executive, a refugee camp worker, and a policeman - the discussion shows that even harrowing amounts of stress can be productive as long as the patterns of its application do not turn dangerous. Summarizing these findings as they apply to American workers, the authors suggest solutions to avoid becoming a virtual zombie who has little awareness of his actions.