Michael Easter's The Comfort Crisis is both challenging and inspiring. The book combines his personal story, extensive research, and expert contributions.
Easter grew up in a family plagued with addictions and turned to drugs to avoid his uncomfortable emotions. As he worked towards sobriety, he learned to embrace discomfort and eventually saw incredible benefits.
He believes our culture's need for comfort has taken the meaning and joy out of life. So, he spent thirty days in the Arctic without the comforts we take for granted each day. In return, he experienced physical strength, emotional health, a clear mind, and extreme gratitude.
Easter challenges us that we "have an unmet need to do what’s truly difficult for us. New research shows that depression, anxiety, and feeling like you don’t belong can be linked to being untested.”
Let's look at what he says to see if there is any merit.
Are We Fooling Ourselves?
A job we enjoy and a comfortable home without conflict sound like a dream, but an easy life does not always result in happiness. We were designed to do hard things: hunt for our food, build shelters, and work for survival. Being challenged can bring excitement, and we can feel proud of our accomplishments.
Survival also required people to work together in a community, which developed a sense of interconnectedness. Current studies “consistently show increased risk of death among persons with a low quantity, and sometimes low quality, of social relationships.” Connections improve your immune system and increase your chance of longevity.
Of course, we also need time to relax and unwind alone and with others. When life is too hard, we can live in a chronic state of stress that is not healthy either.
Action, Risks, & Problems
Easter says, "Over the last decade, the average American added another hour of daily sitting. Adults now sit for six and a half hours, while kids sit more than eight." This does not lead to good mental or physical health. We need to challenge our bodies and minds to live a fulfilling life.
We also must be willing to take risks. Easter believes that “nothing great in life comes with complete assurance of success.” Doing something you have a 50% chance of achieving is a great way to challenge yourself.
We may think we will be more satisfied when life is smooth. Easter challenges this perspective, explaining that “as we experience fewer problems, we don’t become more satisfied. We just lower our threshold for what we consider a problem.” Overcoming problems does not seem preferable to avoiding them altogether, but it may actually bring more satisfaction.
Embracing Discomfort
Each person will choose different ways to incorporate these ideas into their life. I recommend starting with small challenges that get you out of your comfort zone and growing from there.
- Physical Challenges: Push yourself beyond what you are used to doing physically. Go hiking, run longer distances, carry heavier things, etc. (Be realistic about your abilities and keep your safety in mind. You want a challenge without getting hurt.)
- Allow yourself to be hungry: Many people in our culture do not experience hunger regularly. We either eat on a schedule or grab a snack at the first signs of hunger. Our ancestors did not have this option. They felt hungry because food was not readily available. So, take the opportunity to experience the discomfort of hunger occasionally before you eat. (Please do not choose this way to embrace discomfort if you have ever been told or wondered if you had an eating disorder.)
- Temperature: Allow yourself to experience temperatures that are beyond comfortable. Drive to work without the heat on, blast some cold water at the end of your shower, take a walk without bundling up, etc. (Again, use wisdom.)
- Accept boredom: It's been said that boredom is a gift; it encourages growth, connections, and creativity. Embrace this gift by scheduling downtime, driving to work without the radio on, going to bed early to be alone with your thoughts, etc.
- Put down your phone: Easter says, “Finally, on June 29, 2007, boredom was pronounced dead, thanks to the iPhone. And so our imaginations and deep social connections went with it.” Scrolling through our phones can fill time that could be used for other things; does the time on your phones leave you feeling more or less satisfied in life?
- Goals: Choose 1-2 goals that challenge you beyond your comfort level. It may be professional or personal. Make it something that you do not have a guarantee of success. Even if you do not achieve it, the process of trying will bring growth.
- Resist Addictions: People are often addicted to screens, food, shopping, caffeine, or the praise of others. Breaking out of these addiction loops must be intentional and involve building a tolerance for discomfort. (Do not be ashamed or afraid to seek help. It takes great courage to call a therapist or attend an addiction recovery program.)
P.S. You can buy The Comfort Crisis here.
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