“The comfort crisis” by Michael Easter

The author 🖋

Michael Easter is a professor of journalism at UNLV and a New York Times bestselling author who’s made a career of traveling the world and interviewing thousands of experts, from Nobel laureates to world-class athletes, to uncover practical ideas that help people live better lives.

His work has been embraced by leading institutions including professional sports teams and the military.

Key takeaways 🎓

1. Growth happens outside your comfort zone

Being too comfortable weakens us physically, mentally and emotionally.

When we challenge ourselves and try new things - especially if they're tough - we become a better version of ourselves.

Overcoming hard things not only makes us stronger, but makes life more interesting as well (remember the feeling when you overcame something really difficult).

2. Reconnect with nature

Spending time away from screens and enjoying nature makes us happier, but modern conveniences made us forget about our evolutionary need for the outdoors.

Easter believes that nature can help us reconnect with our wild selves and provide us with the challenges and discomforts that we to thrive.

3. Understanding chance

The author stresses the importance of engaging in difficult physical challenges.

Doing activities that push our physical limits is like special medicine for our body and mind - it can improve our mental well-being, reduce stress and increase our overall happiness.

Closing thoughts 🧠

The book argues that our ancestors were designed to face challenges and that our modern society's obsession with comfort is causing problems for our physical, mental and emotional well-being.

It’s quite thought-provoking and challenges readers to reevaluate their relationship with discomfort.