Words by me

A few thoughts on modern life, and how it doesn’t suit our bodies.

In the past, life was much harder. We toiled and struggled, and fought to survive. Then, we got clever and built machines, TVs and comfy sofas.

Now, we work at computers, moving nothing more than our fingers. We drive to work, or ride on public transport. We take meals out of boxes, then sit motionless in front of screens. Life is very convenient.

Inconvenience Machines

Bizarrely, people realised they needed to replace the movements saved by machines with machines. We row, run and push against machines that resist us. After making machines to do our work, we had to create machines to make us work!

Monkeys Hate Having Too Much Free Time

Several years ago I watched a wildlife documentary about a type of monkey whose staple foodstuff is so abundant that they spend hardly any time searching for food.  With their increased free time the monkeys sit and socialise. And then, they become anxious.

Monkeys with too much free time become anxious. I suppose their minds are empty, and what fills that vacuum? Paranoid thoughts, which lead to anxiety.

Convenience = Anxiety

If you’re unhappy, or depressed or suffering from anxiety, the cause may be an excess of free time. Fill your life, occupy your mind, and maybe you’ll feel a little better. (I can’t promise anything.)

People Aren’t Designed to Sit Still

Modern life is making millions of people depressed and anxious because they can’t cope with a sedentary, convenient lifestyle. Many people avoid the problem by exercising regularly, but not everyone has discovered the restorative benefits of regular exercise.

Is Exercise Essential for Happiness?

Is it? What do you think?

(Fat Cat picture courtesy of Yukari, Exercise picture courtesy of ggvic, Driving Monkey picture courtesy of Sappymoosetree)