There is a significant amount of counterintuitive aspects to life. Aspects in which what is beneficial to us seems, on the surface, to be detrimental. We must therefore fight our problematic thinking. For instance, when we exercise, if a biologist was to look at various bio-markers and your physiology without the knowledge that you’re exercising, they would assume you were dying. However, we know that exercise is extremely beneficial.

The most fundamental paradox in life is that pain is beneficial and to be embraced

On the surface, we would assume that submerging our bodies in ice-cold water would be detrimental to our bodies and our minds would try to get us out however, it is clear that cold-water immersion is extremely beneficial for our bodies’ and brain’s functioning. It is crucial then that we question our instinctual thinking as, sometimes, it can be hurt rather than help us.

The most fundamental paradox in life is that pain is beneficial and to be embraced. Our brains, as complex and powerful as they are, fall prey to simplistic thinking such as “all pain should be avoided for our survival.” Whilst this may have helped us as hunter-gatherers, this hinders us in the 21st century. Productive pain should be embraced even if it looks on the surface to be detrimental. If it is healthy for us, regardless of difficulty, it should be embraced.

Keep On Struggling,

Gregor

Practice I’ve Adopted

After watching Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and listening to longevity expert Dr Peter Attia (pictured), I’ve adopted the practice of fasting. Dr Peter Attia recommends 24 hour water only-fasts as well as occasional 3-4 day water-only fasts for the many benefits such as cellular repair, gut health, faster metabolism and weight loss. Whilst the jury is still out with regards to what breaks a fast, I believe in water-only fasts as drinks like black coffee, whilst they have zero calories, still contain polyphenols which the gut recognises and so, in order to give the gut a break, it may be beneficial to only drink water. I completed a 24 hour fast last week and fought against headaches and coffee withdrawal mainly but that hasn’t put me off attempting one 24 hour water-only fast per month.

Find out more from Dr Peter Attia below.

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HIIT Workouts I’m Enjoying - Oliver Sjostrom

I decided to branch out and try some new at home HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts and came across Oliver Sjostrom’s YouTube channel. I’m finding his 15 and 30 minute workouts enjoyable and the various moves to be completely new to me.

Check these out on YouTube.

Your Struggle Short For The Week

WATCH HERE

Quote to Ponder

I not only use all the dreams that I have, but all that I can borrow - Woodrow Wilson

References

1) Peter Attia Image - peterattiamd.com

2) Oliver Sjostrom Image - Oliver Sjostrom YouTube Channel

3) Image Credit - RawPixel