The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

Easter describes an unplanned but awe-inspiring encounter with a herd of caribou as he returned to his Arctic camp. Recalling this, Easter discusses how contemporary life, dominated by screens and technology, not only weighs negatively on our lives but also deprives us of the positive benefits of nature. The author reflects on the increasing detachment of people from the natural world, evidenced by declining engagement in outdoor activities and a growing preference for predictable, controlled environments.

Easter introduces the concept of the “nature pyramid,” similar to the food pyramid, which recommends different levels of nature exposure for optimal health. The base level suggests short, daily interactions with urban nature, like a 20-minute walk in a city park, claiming this can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health. The next level up involves spending around five hours per month in semi-wild spaces, like country parks, which offer greater relaxation and restoration.

At the pyramid’s apex is “backcountry nature,” exemplified by multiday trips into the wilderness. Here, the “three-day effect” comes into play—the idea that after three days of disconnection from technology and immersion in nature, profound changes in the brain occur. This effect leads to enhanced creativity, reduced stress, and a deeper sense of peace and connectedness with the environment.

Easter further reflects on the restorative effects of engagement with nature, focusing on the impact silence and natural sounds have on human well-being, contrasted with the busier noises of modern life. Waking up in the Arctic wilderness, he appreciated the exceptional quietness and the deep, rejuvenating sleep it afforded, a difference from the noise-filled environment most people live in.

Easter discusses how modern sleep problems are often caused by lack of darkness and silence, the conditions under which humans evolved to sleep. He then describes a morning experience in the Arctic, where the only sounds were natural—a distant river, the beating of his heart, and the whooshing of a raven’s wings. He contrasts this sharply with the cacophony of urban life, filled with cars, planes, and mechanical devices.

The chapter explores the idea that while humans have minimized other sensory inputs like temperature and touch, our auditory environment has become increasingly loud, leading to stress. Easter mentions that the World Health Organization links noise pollution to numerous health issues, including heart disease and mental illness. Silence is beneficial yet now uncomfortable for many, who have adapted to urban life’s noisiness and regard it as a comforting presence.

Easter recounts a visit to Orfield Laboratories in Minneapolis, Minnesota, home to the world’s quietest anechoic chamber. Here, visitors initially feel uneasy in the extreme quiet but gradually find calm and relaxation, even experiencing a heightened awareness of their internal sounds. For Easter, this experience underscores the therapeutic potential of silence, particularly for those suffering from trauma.

The chapter concludes with the author’s return to the teepee and his appreciation of the silence he experienced.

Easter recounts a food shortage he and his team experienced in the Arctic: They were consuming only 2,000 calories daily despite burning around 6,000, leading to a deficit that heightened their obsession with food. This situation mirrors the complex relationship humans have with food, particularly in modern societies where overeating and obesity are prevalent.

Easter explores the confusion surrounding nutritional advice, highlighting the conflicting and often biased information from various dietary approaches and experts. He then introduces Trevor Kashey, a nutrition expert with a unique approach. Kashey emphasizes the importance of managing hunger and understanding the psychological aspects of eating rather than just focusing on specific foods or diets: His approach involves tracking food intake and lifestyle factors to build awareness of eating habits. He challenges common perceptions about processed food, advocating for a nuanced understanding of food processing and its historical significance in human civilization. Kashey also addresses the distinction between “real hunger” and “reward hunger,” emphasizing that much of our eating is driven by psychological needs rather than physical hunger.

Easter also explores the concept of energy density in food, explaining how choosing foods with lower energy density can aid in weight management without excessive hunger. Kashey’s philosophy is that no foods are off-limits but that understanding their impact on satiety and overall calorie intake is crucial. Easter reflects on his personal experience with Kashey’s methods, which led to significant weight loss and improved health.

Easter discusses the modern disconnection from natural hunger and its consequences. Historically, humans experienced periods of feast and famine, but today’s constant availability of food has eliminated these natural cycles. This shift is linked to the obesity epidemic, as people now eat across a 15-hour window and rarely experience true hunger.

This continuous eating disrupts the body’s natural processes. For example, autophagy, the body’s method of cleaning out damaged cells, only occurs when the body is not processing food. This process, which can take 12 to 16 hours after a meal to begin, is crucial for cellular health and preventing diseases. However, the modern habit of eating from morning until night interferes with autophagy, potentially leading to various health issues.

Easter also explores the concept of circadian rhythms and how aligning eating habits with these natural cycles can have significant health benefits. For instance, reducing eating windows to align with daylight hours can improve overall well-being. Studies suggest that occasional fasting or restricting eating times can aid in weight loss, enhance focus and productivity, and even extend lifespan by promoting cellular rejuvenation.

Easter reflects on his personal experiences during an Arctic expedition. Despite the physical challenges and constant hunger, he found a deeper appreciation for life and a renewed connection with natural rhythms.