08/09/2022
Sapolsky’s explanation of the role of exercise in relieving psychological stress finally clarified the idea of “blowing off steam” for me. I had only ever understood it in that half-arsed way. I knew I wanted to run when I was freaked out, but I did not really understand why: it was impulsive, instinctive. But this idea (and a bunch of other context) really brought it into focus.
The book is a classic, of course, and highly recommended. It’s stuffed with quotable passages. Here’s another one I almost turned into an image:
“It would be utterly negligent to exaggerate the implications of [how many health problems stress causes]. … Everything bad in human health now is not caused by stress, nor is it in our power to cure ourselves of all our worst medical nightmares merely by reducing stress and thinking healthy thoughts full of courage and spirit and love. Would that it were so. And shame on those who would profit from selling this view.”
*chef’s kiss*
~ Paul Ingraham, PainScience.com publisher
