9. Be tough in a comfy world
Leading a soft life will make you soft and could put you in your grave early. Leading an excessively stressful life is not pleasant and could put you in your grave early. Brief exposures to stresses may help to maximize your toughness, longevity, and enjoyment of living.
Anaerobic exercise is a good example of becoming tougher; this brief stress starts many bodily processes including a surge of growth hormone which help the body to adapt and become stronger and healthier.
Here are some examples and conjecture on brief stresses which can make the body healthier:
- Anaerobic exercise
- Aerobic exercise
- Exposure to heat
- Exposure to cold
- Fasting
- Going without water (Dr. Mirkin suggests that exercise and dehydration may help to improve kidney function.)
- Exposure to wind
- Sleep deprivation
- Mental gymnastic exercises
- Sunshine
- Toxins
- Stretching muscles
- Stretching joints range of motion
- Exposure to pain
- Traveling and motion
- Reduced atmospheric pressure/oxygen
I would be interested if growth hormone surges from the above brief stresses.
If you have any ideas on becoming tougher/healthier, please leave a comment at the end of the following post: http://markleigh.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/be-tough-in-a-comfy-world/
