Happy happy Wednesday, friends!
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I finally ordered…
…The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter, and today, I’m going to share my thoughts.
So many of the people I follow in the health and wellness space have referenced this book in their podcast episodes, so I am very happy to have a frame of reference around him and his work now. If, like me, you’re unfamiliar with Easter, he is a wellness writer for publications like Men’s Health as well as a professor. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting when I ordered his book, but it was very different than the other books I read on health, wellness, and living your best life.
For this review, I’m going to share my biggest takeaway and then work backwards. Sound like a plan?
My biggest takeaway from reading this book is that in today’s culture it has never been easier to be distracted.
I love following influencers/authors/podcasters that share ways to be “more present” or “more conscious of their time/their day/what they’re doing” people who are “not rushing” and “not too busy”. I don’t know if perhaps it’s coincidental that they all use the same language or if it’s because those are all women, but I really loved how he framed the same general concept by saying “stop being distracted”. That felt like a very concrete/easy/real way for me to look at things.
For example…
My Apple Watch often distracts me with notifications.
My phone distracts me all the time.
My inbox distracts me when I’m working on a blog post.
Social media distracts me.
My “to do” list distracts me when I’m supposed to focusing on what someone is saying to me but instead, I’m thinking about “what I need to do next”.
Multi-tasking distracts me.
Over-thinking something distracts me.
You guys, the list is very long. Being distracted (both by physical things and my thoughts) keeps me from being in the moment right then and there which is most likely robbing me of joy.
I would imagine we could all read this book and walk away with different takeaways, but for me, that was the most profound and the one I’ve been thinking about the most often since I finished the book.
Okay, but what is the book about?
Well, the author weaves his own personal adventure of going off into the wilderness with some field guides for several weeks and how they survived/what they did to kill all of the down time/what he noticed while being unplugged/etc with data and research about how our present culture is downright over-stimulated, stressed, anxious and doing it to ourselves. The author’s discomfort in the wilderness (physically and mentally) gave him the opportunity to explore life without all of this self-imposed stress.
I made so many notes while reading this book. Here are a few that really stood out to me:
1: Our present day culture lacks physical struggles (like having to work hard for our livelihoods) and has instead created too many opportunities to “numb out”. He explains this is more than just numbing out in front of the TV. We are lazy about what we eat, we are lazy about creating actual relationships outside of apps on our phone, we are not going “out into the elements” and getting exposure to sunlight and nature…we are just numb to a lot of things that would stimulate long-term physical and mental benefits if we did them.
2: We often don’t try new things because we don’t want to fail. We are not giving ourselves the opportunity to learn new skills, new languages, new instruments, etc simply because “we don’t want to suck at the new thing”.
3: The average American touches their phone 2,617 times a day.
4: Boredom in the US is now dead. No one ever allows themselves to be bored now…and boredom is where creativity is often sparked. Boredom is also an opportunity to give your mind rest. Our lack of boredom is also responsible for our increasing mental health issues.
5: Our inability to “detach” from devices/emails/texts/constant communication is creating burnout in relationships and especially in careers.
I could go on and on. This was a really unique read for me. The author does a great job of weaving a ton of data and studies in with his own experiences. The comforts we are currently enjoying might also be the comforts that are limiting the potential for us to live our fullest lives.
If you have read this book and have your own takeaways, I would love to hear them! I really enjoyed this book.
Okay, also today, I am sharing HOW I JUGGLE MY FAMILY’S SCHEDULE too! Make sure you hop over and check out that post too.
Have the best day, friends! xx
Diane Moore says
This was really good and applies to so many of us, at every age. I don’t work, watch my grandchildren 2 days a week, and do not like to have a full schedule every day. I’m productive, but not busy. BUT, I have to think about disengaging from my phone all day. I don’t need something playing (even informational) while I do every task. I can dust, cook, even go for a walk, with just my own thoughts.
I’m far from good about this, but I’m trying to improve my balance.
Thanks for this post!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love your perspective as a grandparent. Thank YOU so much for sharing, Diane! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I can totally relate to this! I often find myself multi tasking and focusing on what comes next rather than the here and now.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Paula says
Multi-tasking is probably my clutch. I tend to listen to podcasts or audio books while walking, cooking, cleaning and driving. I justify it as my time. But rarely quiet. Interesting. I will think on this.
Kara says
I find myself wearing my Apple watch a smidge less these days bc all the alerts/notifications is very distracting. I still love it and the concept of steps ect but it wears me out! Thanks for reviewing the book!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have stopped wearing it at night and on Sunday afternoons. Just those little tweaks have helped so much!
Lori R says
Never really thought about it but #4 is so true!
Angela says
This sounds like such an interesting book, I’m going to need to read it! I’m wanting to be more present with my family and friends. And #4 about boredom… wow, that was so profound and so true!!
Thank you, Shay, for sharing this book recommendation and alway encouraging us to be better versions of ourselves!
Tish says
“Our inability to “detach” from devices/emails/texts/constant communication is creating burnout in relationships and especially in careers.” – Shay, this really resonates with me right now. I am a Realtor and we just discussed this in our office meeting this week. Clients nowadays expect Realtors to be available and working 24/7. I sincerely LOVE my career and clients and truly view it as a ministry that God has allowed me to work within. I feel about real estate the way you feel about travel! But the career burnout is real trying to balance work and family. Wondering if you or anyone in this sweet community has suggestions of how to “detach” from phone, email, communication in the real estate field where we do have very concrete deadlines and “time is of the essence” on many aspects of our job. Thanks for sharing, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
I feel the same pressures as a travel agent. It’s so hard to balance our passions for our work with our need to detach from it.
Sue says
Thanks for sharing this. You may enjoy a book by Carlos Whittaker titled Reconnected. He disconnected from devices, etc for 7 weeks and helped him recover the lost Art of being human.
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!
Leslie S says
Yes I second the rec for Carlos Whittaker – hope you recap this on your blog!!
Ashley says
I second this- just finished reconnected and it was so good!
Amy Spoor says
Michael Easter’s podcast episode with Andrew Huberman is on my list to listen to. (It’s 3 hours so I’ve been putting off starting it. But since you’re the 3rd place I’ve seen his book covered this week, maybe God is telling me something!) Even my 15yo said to me yesterday, “People are too lazy now.” One look at our family’s calendar will tell you that’s not true! I think she was noticing that we just don’t expect or tolerate friction. It’s an interesting topic — thanks for bringing it up!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love Huberman, but I haven’t listened to that episode either. I will! Thank you for the rec!
Valerie says
Thank you for sharing this Shay! Very much looking forward to reading it.
Darcy says
Thank you for this review. It really spoke to me in relation to being distracted and not experiencing the joy of the moment. I remember at one point realizing that God doesn’t want us to be comfortable, as in discomfort/challenges, we grow and to try to embrace them versus working so hard to try to make everything comfortable for my family without any turmoil or hardship. I really appreciate your thoughts on this book and encouragement on this important topic.
Becky G. says
Stop being distracted resonates with me. I find I use technology to distract myself, often. I try to find ways to clear my mind – going on walks with no music or podcasts, weeding (incredibly therapeutic for me personally) and I always keep a puzzle on my dining room table (on a board that is easily moved). Some simple ways I use to allow my mind to just be. Another very hot topic is states banning cell phones in schools. My sophomore’s high school banned phones (must keep them in locker) this year and I’ve heard incredible things about how much more focused teens are during school. Something about just having the phone in their pocket is distracting anticipating what they are missing or notifications. Good stuff!
Yolanda McLean says
I love reading reviews of books like these but I hate reading them. I get overwhelmed with everything that I’m doing “wrong”. I could work on my perspective to think in a healthy manner. I turned off all notifications on my Apple Watch and I enjoy my watch so much more.
Mix and Match Mama says
I get overwhelmed too. I always remind myself to just focus on one small change at a time, but geez, I can absolutely get overwhelmed.
Debbie Mayfield says
I am 66 and will be retired from the workforce four years this coming November. I, very rarely, am ever on my phone or computer. I don’t want to use up my time (that God has so graciously gifted me) on senseless scrolling. I’ve been off of Facebook for five years and I have NEVER regretted it for a second. I rarely ever get on Instagram or X. The one indulgent I have is TikTok and that is only a couple of times a week. After swimming laps, I’ll sit in a a rocker on the patio and scroll through while my swimsuit is drying off. I listen to audio books while I am cleaning house, gardening, decorating, crafting, and cooking. I keep track of what I have read on Goodreads and am up to 71 books for this year (my goal for the year is 75). I love spending time with my kids and grandkids. We have 11 people in our immediate family to buy for Christmas. So far this year, we have bought 3 of the 11 members their birthday and Christmas gifts. I love the Christmas season most of all. You can bet I will have all of my decorations down the first weekend of October. Christmas inside and fall outside! I have a Thomas Kinkade Disney planner to keep travel and important dates organized. I can see a huge difference in my mental health vs. some of my friends that get “sucked up” in everyone’s lives then lament on how they don’t have enough time to do what they want to do and are somewhat depressed. We all have a choice in how we spend our time. For me, freedom from the rat race is priceless.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I just love this so much!! Thank YOU for sharing this comment, Debbie. I am so so grateful for your perspective. xx
Sharon says
From the title and sub title, I would have hoped the book was about how everyone avoids anything unpleasant for themselves or their children not realizing the cost. Feel like the we are too distracted message has been preached a lot and I don’t disagree with that at all. But don’t need to read another book about it. Ha. Would be preaching to choir.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think your interpretation is wrong. I think the book does focus quite a bit on how culturally we have become lazy (ie: avoiding things that push us out of our comfort zone). The book is very layered. I’m glad I read it.
Denae says
I JUST finished reading this book yesterday and opened up your blog and I was so excited to see you read this too! Every year a group of girlfriends and I do a big hike. We did the rim to rim to rim crossing the Grand Canyon twice, we climbed Mt Washington, and this year we are going to climb Mt Katahdin in Maine. I realized that we were doing what he suggested by getting outside our comfort zone. Doing an activity we might fail at, but every time I come back from one of these trips I am just so happy and content for weeks. Nothing in my life is harder than crossing the Grand Canyon. It puts everything into perspective. I loved this book.
Mix and Match Mama says
What timing?! I am so happy you just finished it. Thank YOU for sharing!
Lindi says
Again a strong recommendation for John Mark Comer. “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” and “Followers of the Way” are excellent.
Practicing silence – literally silence – for a few minutes every day is something extremely helpful. As a Christ follower, that’s my time to be still and listen to Him.
Karen in Virginia says
I just started reading the comfort crisis and find it very fascinating. Thank you for the recommendation!
Holly C says
Hi!! You mentioned following influencers/authors/podcasters that share ways to be “more present” or “more conscious of their time/their day/what they’re doing” people who are “not rushing” and “not too busy”…when you get a moment can you share who these people are?! I’d love to look into them. Thank you! 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! Off the top of my head, my favorites are Shannon Ables and Fiona Ferris. There are others, but these two are my faves.
Lane Ciborowski says
So many good insights in this review! Thank you Shay!!
Tamara R says
Love this! My Apple Watch broke when we were in the Bahamas and I still haven’t replaced it. And I don’t know if I will! I didn’t realize just how much it constantly distracted me. I was always checking the time and texts.
And you should read Carlos’s book Reconnected. He is such a good human and it’s a quick read. I actually have an extra copy I can send you if you want!