If we look at this seriously, how to find comfort and happiness rather than how to become an alpha male, it still makes a ton of sense.
I’m a dad in my 40s who has spent the past several years working on my mental health including therapy, new medications and adjustments, and various positive changes to my personal life.
The frustrating thing is that all the circular sayings and platitudes that make you sound like a monk or a jedi, they make total sense once you’re in better shape, even though I know from experience that when you aren’t doing well it’s useless nonsense.
I think the difficult part to get across is that you DO have to fix your own self and you have to put in the work, but it might take doctors and medications and therapy and some positive diet/exercise/lifestyle changes just to give you the capability.
An example, to wit:
“Stop eating junk food and go outside”
Not only am I old and out of shape with some physical and mental health issues, but I also have a heat sensitivity issue thanks to one of those.
I have spent more time outside this summer than ever before in my life. Not only that, but it has involved a lot of exercise doing construction and other chores & labor in my back yard.
So it may come as no surprise that after ~4 months of this, I am the happiest I have been in a long time if ever. My body is also feeling healthy and looking better. I could get used to having my arm muscles be more visible.
I went to summer camp with my kid a few weeks ago, and living outside for a couple days in a hot forest while walking 15k-20k steps a day was an entirely different experience than the last couple years. It was actually enjoyable in the moment rather than just making memories and finding enrichment for my son.
There’s a positive feedback loop, so it’s like a self fulfilling prophecy but in a good way.
But remember that it’s not just willpower. I am still on all my medications for things like depression and ADHD. Different types of issues require different types of solutions.
If we look at this seriously, how to find comfort and happiness rather than how to become an alpha male, it still makes a ton of sense.
I’m a dad in my 40s who has spent the past several years working on my mental health including therapy, new medications and adjustments, and various positive changes to my personal life.
The frustrating thing is that all the circular sayings and platitudes that make you sound like a monk or a jedi, they make total sense once you’re in better shape, even though I know from experience that when you aren’t doing well it’s useless nonsense.
I think the difficult part to get across is that you DO have to fix your own self and you have to put in the work, but it might take doctors and medications and therapy and some positive diet/exercise/lifestyle changes just to give you the capability.
An example, to wit:
“Stop eating junk food and go outside”
Not only am I old and out of shape with some physical and mental health issues, but I also have a heat sensitivity issue thanks to one of those.
I have spent more time outside this summer than ever before in my life. Not only that, but it has involved a lot of exercise doing construction and other chores & labor in my back yard.
So it may come as no surprise that after ~4 months of this, I am the happiest I have been in a long time if ever. My body is also feeling healthy and looking better. I could get used to having my arm muscles be more visible.
I went to summer camp with my kid a few weeks ago, and living outside for a couple days in a hot forest while walking 15k-20k steps a day was an entirely different experience than the last couple years. It was actually enjoyable in the moment rather than just making memories and finding enrichment for my son.
There’s a positive feedback loop, so it’s like a self fulfilling prophecy but in a good way.
But remember that it’s not just willpower. I am still on all my medications for things like depression and ADHD. Different types of issues require different types of solutions.