The Comfort Crisis

The Comfort Crisis addresses contemporary people who live a stressful life and talks about being comfortable with discomfort and reclaiming a happy, healthy mindset by implementing a few odd, but highly effective practices in their daily lives.

We are currently living in a life of utmost comfort. We have constant access to food, shelter, entertainment of all sorts, and whatnot. Growing up, there aren’t many physical challenges we have to face. And ever since helicopter parenting took over, children are being sheltered from the smallest inconveniences and obstacles. However, it’s only in recent history that humans started to live like this.

Or species was used to fighting for their food, seeking shelter, and facing many obstacles on the way. Our ancestors were always on the go and had little access to comfort. And yet, they might have been happier than us. They were living in the present and appreciated the smallest things. Now, we face performance anxiety, burnout, and serious mental and emotional issues.

On his quest to become more grounded, the author found out that stripping away his daily addictions proved to be life-saving. He came back stronger, more focused, and with fewer worries on his mind. As such, he advises that everyone should ditch their physical comfort zone. Instead, we should expose ourselves to our own rites of passage or build our physical endurance.

By doing so, one will discover new emotions and build strength from the core. Studies suggest that going through such experiences can enhance health as well. The key is to find a balance between comfort and challenging situations. If you leave your shelter, you’ll find that life isn’t always pink. You will also learn to appreciate everything you have.

In a world dominated by technology, which allows us to stay in contact with each other at all times, nearly 50% of Americans claim that they feel lonely. Ironically, being alone in nature can combat that very state. Enjoying the natural world can tame the mind chatter and give you moments of complete silence, which are rare nowadays. We’re never truly by ourselves anymore. We’re constantly connected to other people, if only via our phones, TVs, or laptops. Solitude can help you reconnect with the most important person in the world – yourself. Allowing your mind, body, and spirit to sync will strengthen your sense of identity. Ironically, once you get comfortable in your own skin, people will start to like you more as well. However, the most important part is to find yourself and tame loneliness in the process. A good place to start this self-searching journey is, as previously mentioned, nature. But how can you do so? Simply put, just stare at trees,…