The Comfort Crisis

Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

Michael Easter

Physical

In Circulation

Discover the evolutionary mind and body benefits of living at the edges of your comfort zone and reconnecting with the wild. In many ways, we’re more comfortable than ever before. But could our sheltered, temperature-controlled, overfed, underchallenged lives actually be the leading cause of many our most urgent physical and mental health issues? In this gripping investigation, award-winning journalist Michael Easter seeks out off-the-grid visionaries, disruptive genius researchers, and mind-body conditioning trailblazers who are unlocking the life-enhancing secrets of a counterintuitive solution: discomfort. Easter’s journey to understand our evolutionary need to be challenged takes him to meet the NBA’s top exercise scientist, who uses an ancient Japanese practice to build championship athletes; to the mystical country of Bhutan, where an Oxford economist and Buddhist leader are showing the world what death can teach us about happiness; to the outdoor lab of a young neuroscientist who’s found that nature tests our physical and mental endurance in ways that expand creativity while taming burnout and anxiety; to the remote Alaskan backcountry on a demanding thirty-three-day hunting expedition to experience the rewilding secrets of one of the last rugged places on Earth; and more. Along the way, Easter uncovers a blueprint for leveraging the power of discomfort that will dramatically improve our health and happiness, and perhaps even help us understand what it means to be human. The Comfort Crisis is a bold call to break out of your comfort zone and explore the wild within yourself.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Adaptation and Resilience: Easter argues that humans have evolved to thrive under conditions of adversity and discomfort. Embracing discomfort, whether physical or psychological, can build resilience and enhance overall health and performance.

  2. Comfort Culture: The book explores the rise of a comfort-centric culture characterized by sedentary lifestyles, over-reliance on technology, and avoidance of discomfort. This culture, Easter argues, has contributed to widespread physical and mental health issues.

  3. Biological Adaptation: Easter discusses the concept of hormesis, whereby exposure to mild stressors or discomfort triggers adaptive responses in the body, leading to improved health outcomes. Examples include cold exposure, fasting, and physical exercise.

  4. Nature Connection: Spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor activities is highlighted as a powerful antidote to the comfort crisis. Nature immersion offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits, promoting overall well-being.

  5. Mind-Body Connection: Easter emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, arguing that discomfort can be a catalyst for personal growth, emotional resilience, and psychological well-being.

  6. Immune Health: Exposure to diverse environmental stimuli, including dirt, bacteria, and natural elements, is essential for the development and regulation of the immune system. Easter advocates for embracing "dirty" activities to support immune health.

  7. Nutritional Diversity: The book underscores the importance of dietary diversity and nutrient-rich foods for optimal health and resilience. Processed and ultra-processed foods, which dominate modern diets, are linked to various health problems.

  8. Sleep Optimization: Easter explores the impact of modern lifestyles on sleep quality and quantity. Prioritizing sleep hygiene and creating environments conducive to restorative sleep are crucial for overall health and performance.

  9. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork are highlighted as effective tools for managing stress, enhancing resilience, and cultivating a greater sense of well-being.

  10. Community and Connection: Building strong social connections and fostering a sense of belonging are essential for resilience and mental health. Easter emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships and community support in navigating life's challenges.

Language English
ISBN-10 9780593138762
ISBN-13 9780593138762
No of pages 304
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Rodale Books
Published Date 01 Jan 2023

About Author

Author : Michael Easter

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