Do Hard Things - The Science of Hormesis
Read Time: 3.5 minutes
The great paradox of modern society, especially in developed countries, is that life has possibly become too easy.
Yes, at times, life can be hard. But generally, speaking it’s never been easier to meet our most basic human needs.
Civilization has come a long way over a relatively short period of time, but it appears we’ve overcorrected.
For instance, Obesity is more of a health crisis than hunger.
I can assure you our great grandparents never envisioned that reality.
We’re living longer, but we’re sicker. The percentage of “good health” years is trending the wrong way.
We’re still suffering. From different things, but for similar reasons.
In this issue, we’ll delve into the science of Hormesis and its implication on your personal well-being.
Easy Has A Cost
To quote James Clear, “Life gets harder when you try to make it easy…”
This statement gets at the heart of the science of hormesis.
Hormesis is Greek for, “set in motion.”
It is a biological phenomenon where low doses of noxious stimuli lead to physiological and psychological responses that can have beneficial effects.
This science suggests that exposure to mild stressors can actually strengthen organisms and make them more resilient.
Here are a few basic examples to help you better appreciate how hormesis works:
Comfort Zones: When we try to avoid discomfort or challenges, we limit our exposure to stressors. This gradually makes us less resilient to future difficulties.
Adaptive Responses: Hormesis suggests that encountering mild challenges can trigger adaptive responses in our bodies and minds. These responses can make us better equipped to handle future hardships.
Growth and Development: Overcoming challenges can lead to personal growth and development. By avoiding difficulties, we may miss out on opportunities for learning and self-improvement.
In essence, while seeking comfort and ease might seem desirable in the short term, it often leads to greater difficulties in the long run.
By embracing challenges and stressors, we can become more resilient, adaptable, and ultimately more fulfilled.
The Benefits of Doing Hard Things
By intentionally incorporating challenges into our lives, we can leverage the science of hormesis to enhance our resilience, mental health, and overall well-being.
Physical Challenges:
Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, gradually increasing the intensity and duration.
Weightlifting: Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine.
Cold Therapy: Expose yourself to cold temperatures, such as cold showers or ice baths.
Mental Challenges:
Learn a New Skill: Take up a new hobby or learn a foreign language.
Problem-Solving Puzzles: Engage in activities that require critical thinking and problem-solving, like puzzles or chess.
Public Speaking: Practice public speaking to overcome fear and build confidence.
Emotional Challenges:
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Try new experiences or activities that make you uncomfortable. Have those crucial conversations sooner rather than later.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises to improve emotional regulation and stress management. Sit with your emotions longer than normal.
Face Fears: Gradually confront your fears in a controlled environment.
Key Considerations:
Gradual Progression: Start with manageable challenges and gradually increase the intensity over time.
Listen to Your Body: Avoid overdoing it and pay attention to your body's signals.
Find What Works for You: Experiment with different challenges to discover what resonates with you.
By incorporating hard things into your life, you can harness the power of hormesis and experience the many benefits it offers.
Remember, high performance is not what you can do, it is what you can recover from.
The key is to find the healthy and adaptive tension between challenging yourself and recovering adequately.