go do: staying positive in the 21st century

(♥)

Apparently our bodies aren't cut out for living in this century. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, author of Spontaneous Happiness, a great many people struggling to stay positive and happy aren't depressed; they just don't have brains equipped for the 21st century. When I first read the headline "Don't Let Chaos Get You Down" in a recent issue of Newsweek, I was intrigued. My own brain, currently living in the 21st century wondered, "Huh? How could our brains -- many of which were created in the 21st century -- not be equipped to handle the life we're living?" Well, According to Dr. Weil, there more people have, the less likely they are to be happy. Modern life, complete with all of it's comforts and conveniences, seems to create a breeding ground for depression. 

It might seem like a terrible way for the world's wealthiest to explain their personal struggles -- "oh, poor us, we have so much that it makes us sad!" -- but there is some solid logic behind it. You see, we humans weren't designed to live such sedentary lifestyles, eat such processed food, or spend hours and hours overstimulated by television and internet. Nature and in-person bonding have given way to spending extended amounts of time indoors, interacting with monitors and television screens, iPhones and iPads. Not that these are bad things -- in my mind, they are some of the greatest things! -- but we weren't necessarily made for living this lifestyle.

Maybe someday our bodies will adapt, but for our pre-industrial bodies are living in an increasingly modern world. So how do those living in a modern world cope with the negative aspects of it -- the isolation and the detachment from the lives our bodies were designed to be living? Below is the advice of Dr. Weil -- advice that I'm really hoping to make the most of in my own life. 

 

5 Tips for Staying Positive in the 21st Century

1. Learn to be present. Staying mindful is how we used to live. We didn't worry about the future or stress about the past because we were focused on survival and that's what are brains are used to. To be more in sync with yourself, stay in the present moment. 

2. Adjust your sleep cycle. Humans are supposed to sleep when it's dark and be awake when it's light. Strive to sleep in complete darkness (get some dark curtains!) and go outside (or be near windows) during the day to keep your body in line with the natural light. 

3. Interact socially. Tempting as it is to spend time online and consider that "social" time, remember that it's crucial that you interact with others in person. Humans, like most animals, are wired to need social interaction and it's crucial to make interacting with others a priority for your happiness. 

4. Cultivate silence. Not all of the noises in today's world (or many of them, for that matter!) are ones that we're naturally used to. Many of them disturb and startle us, which is why it's a good idea to surround yourself with silence (or at least sounds of nature) whenever you can. 

5. Limit technology use. Much as I love being online, on my iPhone, or on my iPad, those aren't necessarily the most natural states for my body to be in. To create a more positive experience for your body, limit your technology use when you can and reconnect with nature. 

Since I'm no scientist (and have yet to read Dr. Weil's book), I can't confirm or deny that what he says about modern life and its affect on humans is true, but from personal experience I know that information overload, lack of movement, and an increased distance from nature have negative effects on me. The more I practice Dr. Weil's advice, the happier and more at peace I feel. Whether or not you believe in what he's saying, give his tips a try and see if you don't feel closer to the natural self you were born to be. Listen to Dr. Weil's words of wisdom. Instead of noise...choose silence. Instead of typing...start talking. Instead of sitting...go do. 

 

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Comments

[Derrick]

Once again this is such an excellant article! I 100% agree and have my own daily practice with similar strategies. It's readings like this that help make it that much more clear! Thank you.

[positively present]

Derrick - Thank you! It was inspired by Dr. Weil's excellent article, which made me really want to be more in touch with my natural self (something that's usually very unlike me!). I'm trying to incorporate some of these strategies and it's been really helping me to feel more at peace.

[Alice]

I'm pretty pretty far from being a social butterfly but I do realize that having a good time in a social atmosphere (not via technology) does make me feel good. Lol, your article makes me think that I should probably reconnect myself with friends to hang out and connect again- more for my own benefit/happiness (I was thinking maybe I'll just be a little more active on facebook/texting them to get that friendly interaction but..I don't think that'll cut it haha).
I've been meaning to make some changes in my life (since I haven't been sleeping enough and been really stressed) and this article was a good read and a reminder :)

[positively present]

Alice - I'm not the most social person myself and I sometimes like to think that online interaction counts, but I really do notice a positive difference in my life when I interact with others in person. Give it a try and see if it helps with your stress!