Why Embracing Discomfort Could Be the Secret to a Happier, Healthier Life

Modern society prizes comfort above all else. Climate-controlled homes, instant food delivery, and endless entertainment create a cocoon that shields us from the hardships our ancestors faced daily. But this very comfort may be undermining our physical health and psychological well-being. Humans have spent only 0.004% of their evolutionary history in constant comfort. Our bodies and minds evolved to thrive on challenge, hunger, cold, and exertion — signals that shaped our endurance, alertness, and resilience.

The ancient Japanese tradition of misogi exemplifies this principle. Misogi involves undertaking epic physical challenges that are deliberately grueling but safe, such as carrying heavy rocks underwater or paddleboarding long distances in cold ocean water. These trials induce a flow state — a deep mental immersion linked to happiness and peak performance. Participants emerge transformed, with renewed mental toughness and spiritual clarity.

Yet, modern life pushes us toward what psychologists call 'comfort creep.' As new comforts become the norm, we raise our expectations and become intolerant of even minor discomforts. This relative judgment bias leads to persistent dissatisfaction, anxiety, and a craving for ever-greater ease. For example, escalators replace stairs, fast food replaces home cooking, and temperature is maintained with exact precision — shrinking our comfort zones and dulling our resilience.

Alongside physical inactivity, this comfort-driven lifestyle fuels epidemics of obesity and loneliness. Over 70% of Americans are overweight or obese, suffering from metabolic diseases unknown to our ancestors. Meanwhile, nearly half report chronic loneliness despite living in densely populated cities. The emotional toll includes depression, anxiety, and increased mortality risk.

Reclaiming discomfort doesn’t mean rejecting modern life but integrating challenge intentionally. Spending time alone in nature, embracing solitude, and allowing controlled hunger and physical exertion can reboot our systems. Research shows that just three days in wilderness significantly boosts creativity and reduces stress. Solitude nurtures empathy and emotional resilience, while hunger sharpens mental clarity.

Finally, contemplating mortality — a practice embraced by cultures like Bhutan with their Gross National Happiness metric — deepens our appreciation for life and fosters mindful presence. Death awareness helps us detach from materialism and fear, guiding us to live with purpose and gratitude.

Embracing discomfort is a path back to our evolutionary roots and a key to thriving in today’s world. It builds strength, clarity, and connection, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are profound.

Ready to explore how to begin this transformative path? Stay tuned for practical tips and inspiring stories in our next posts.

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3